Bandung Produces 1,511 Tons of Waste a Day, Home Sorting is Key

BANDUNG, GARISBUMI.com – The city of Bandung produces around 1,511 tons of waste per day, while the delivery quota to Sarimukti is in the range of 800 tons and processing capacity in the city is around 250 to 300 tons per day. These conditions make sorting waste from home an important step to help handle it while reducing health risks.

Bandung City Environmental Service (DLH) Secretary Dadang Setiawan conveyed this in the Sonata Radio Sonata Talkshow, Wednesday (30/9/2026). This activity also presented Member of Commission IV Bandung City DPRD, Agung Firmansyah Sumantri.

Dadang explained that the waste generation figures were calculated based on the population. Tourist activities and the arrival of commuters also pose challenges in handling waste in the city of Bandung.

"We have to solve this together. Moreover, there are tourist activities and also commuters who come to work or carry out activities in the city of Bandung. Therefore, this waste problem really requires the role of all parties," said Dadang.

According to him, people can start by sorting waste at the source. This step makes it easier to process according to the type and characteristics of waste.

"Basically, we encourage community members to sort it out, at a minimum. Because this makes the processing process easier later. The organic ones can be composted, the inorganic ones can be recycled or used," he explained.

Organic waste can be processed into compost, while inorganic waste that is still useful can be recycled or reused. Handling it requires the involvement of the city government, regional officials, officers and the community.

Piling Up Garbage Is Risky to Health

Agung reminded that the waste problem does not stop with the smell and cleanliness of the city. Waste that is not managed properly can also become a breeding ground for disease-carrying animals.

"This waste is not just an aesthetic problem. From a health perspective, waste that is not managed properly can become a medium for disease transmission, a breeding ground for disease factors, and become an intermediary for disease," said Agung.

He explained that piles of rubbish can attract flies and mice. Meanwhile, used containers that hold standing water have the potential to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Agung gave the example of the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever which is transmitted through the Aedes aegypti mosquito and leptospirosis which is related to bacteria carried by mice. Garbage that contaminates food, hands and water sources can also increase the risk of digestive tract infections.

"The problem moves to the environment, water, air, to the soil. And in the end this can come back to us in the form of health problems," he said.

Agung also highlighted the open burning of rubbish. According to him, burning smoke can contain irritants and toxic substances that interfere with breathing and cause problems with the eyes and skin.

"In fact, there is a much simpler form of prevention, namely throwing rubbish in the right place, sorting rubbish, don't burn rubbish carelessly, and don't let water stagnate," he explained.

Protect Officers from Sharp Waste

Dadang said that the impact of waste is also felt by officers who come into direct contact with various types of community waste every day.

"We often see that these piles of rubbish are always smelly, there are flies, rats and even snakes. Plus there is also the possibility of fire, smoke and so on. This has the potential to spread disease, both to the surrounding families and the officers themselves," said Dadang.

He emphasized the importance of personal protective equipment and attention to the health of officers through examinations at health service facilities.

Residents are also asked to pay attention to sharp objects thrown away with rubbish. Dadang gave the example of skewers which are often mixed up and have the potential to injure officers during transportation and handling.

Apart from sorting rubbish from homes, the public is reminded not to throw rubbish into rivers and to report piles of rubbish that need handling.