Factors influencing the period of participation in a waste bank system in Malang City, Indonesia

A new approach to waste recycling called “waste bank” has recently appeared in Southeast Asian countries. Typically, waste banks allow members to exchange recyclable materials for revenue, with different returns based on the type and weight of the materials. However, participant numbers remain low, and improvements to the system are necessary to encourage participants to separate their waste. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the period of participation in a waste bank in Malang City, Indonesia. A sample of 216 participants was obtained for the correlation between variables and a multiple-regression analysis. It was found that many respondents were frustrated by the volume of items requiring separation. We suggest that the number of recovery items without substantial economic benefit should be minimized to encourage participants to separate and bring their resources and to participate regularly. This would also be helpful in prolonging participation periods. Many participants regarded the waste-separation concept as an unfamiliar one. Our results may be useful for other Southeast Asian countries at the same economic level as Indonesia who wish to encourage the establishment of waste banks.