COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GUNUNG LEUTIK VILLAGE CIPARAY DISTRICTBANDUNG REGENCY

Abstract

Waste management remains a challenge in various regions, including rural areas with minimal waste management facilities and infrastructure. This study aims to determine how the community manages waste and their understanding of the 3R concept (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, documentation, and questionnaire distribution. The results show that most people do not have access to trash bins, temporary storage sites, and waste transportation services. As many as 50.9% of the community are accustomed to littering because of the unavailability of waste collection points. Furthermore, understanding of the 3R concept is still low, with 50.9% of respondents not knowing or understanding its application. However, there is positive potential for better waste management, as 42.1% of the community expressed their readiness to support village programs through waste management training. Thus, the lack of facilities and infrastructure as well as public understanding are the main obstacles, but these can be overcome through continuous education and community empowerment. The findings of this study were then analyzed to produce teaching materials in the form of contextual Geography learning modules based on local environmental issues.