SCAVENGER PARTICIPATION IN WASTE REDUCTION IN WEST SIDOMULYO VILLAGE, PEKANBARU CITY

Abstract

This article aims to determine the participation of scavengers in reducing waste in West Sidomulyo Village, Pekanbaru City, in 2023. The waste problem in Pekanbaru City was able to be reduced by 18%, as much as 63% was successfully transported to the landfill, and there is still around 19% of waste that cannot be managed. So the problem of inadequate waste management is an opportunity for scavengers to obtain economically valuable waste, increase their income and reduce the amount of waste transported to landfill. This study is qualitative research with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Through the process of observing the research object and interviewing 9 informants, the results of this research are first, the economic participation of scavengers is that the selected waste is waste that can be sold (plastic, iron, paper or for animal feed) to meet the living needs of the scavenger's family. Second, the sociological participation of scavengers means that scavengers participate in reducing the volume of waste thrown away by the community. Third, the participation of scavengers in protecting the environment is less recognized due to their low level of education, preferring to earn a living and not thinking about the impact on the environment and the health of themselves and their families. Fourth, there is still a negative stigma towards scavengers who are suspected of being criminals. Although it has never been proven.