Trash Bank

Do you know how a bank works? Generally, the bank works because we save our money
at that bank. Then, our money will be used to give credit to other people, so it can earn more
money from itself (money.howstuffworks.com). However, in order to be a bank customer you
must have a savings account in that bank and of course have the money first. The same system is
also applied in trash bank. The difference is that in trash bank, we save trash instead of money,
so you do not have to own the money in the first place. In Indonesia, trash bank system is first
used by Bandegan people in Yogyakarta. The pupose of the system it self is to create an effective
and profitable way in maintaining the environment by applying a good trash management. Then,
beside adapting little knowledge from bank operation system and using some recycling
equipment, the people in Bandegan village, Bantul, had to do some procedures in order to get the
trash bank system be well and effectively operated.

The first approach to make the systems work was that the authority of Bandegan village
made an assembly to introduce the trash bank system to the people. Before they explained about
the system, they made the people aware first about the condition of their environment. They were
given the information how trash could become a problem especially in health and environment.
After that, the people were encouraged to solve the problem with a creative way, and one
solution that was offered by the official was the trash bank system. The official of Bandegan
village explained about how it works and the benefit of using that system. Then, the people were
asked to be the customer of trash bank in order to participate in making a comfortable and
healthy environment.

After they become the customer of trash bank, there are several steps to follow to deposit
the trash and get money from the deposit. First, they will get three bags; each bag is filled with
different trash materials, such as plastic, glass or can, and paper. The people of Bandegan village
can store their trash individually or collectively. If they store the trash individually, they can
store the trash to the deposit counter whenever they want, but for those who want to store their
trash collectively they must collect their trash first to the leader of the region (RT) and store it
twice a month. Second, the customer goes to a teller, and the teller will measure the weight of the
trash. In this step, the customer will get a deposit note, but they cannot get the money right away.
After some days, the administrator of trash bank will call the trash collector to estimate the price
of the trash. After that, the customer can go back to the bank by bringing the deposit note and get
money from the trash they have deposited.

The last procedure of the trash bank system is that all the trash they have gathered in the
trash bank will be processed, so it could be more useful. Some trash will be sold to the trash
collectors to get money and some others will be used to make other stuff like handicraft or
souvenir. The handicrafts or souvenirs are made by the people of Bandegan village as a
volunteer, but if the handicrafts are sold they will also get some money from the profit sharing.
Beside the inorganic trash, trash bank also accepts organic trash, but it does not count as the
deposit. Later, the organic trash will be processed to become fertilizer and used freely by the
people for cultivating or making bio pore holes to enrich their soil.

Overall, Trash is a serious problem especially for people in Jakarta. Trash can cause flood
and makes the environment looks dirty. Also, it could lead to many dangerous diseases. People
in Bandegan village have been able to manage their problem regarding to trash, but still the
operation of the bank need more financial support from the government. Moreover, if the people
in Jakarta are able to do the trash bank system for managing the trash in their everyday life, I
believe that we will get a good result because the pollution that is caused by trash is not only
affecting our body but also our mental aspect such as emotional and stress. To conclude,
Badegan local wisdom in managing their trash problem by using trash bank system is a good
example for our society to make a comfortable and healthy living.
 References

Phylosophy studends of Universitas Gajah Mada Badge 2007. "EFEKTIFITAS BANK

SAMPAH DALAM MEWUJUDKAN LINGKUNGAN YANG SEHAT." Pekan Karya Mahsiswa
(2009).

Arni, noni. Deutsche Welle. 2 March 2009. 4 October 2010 <www.dw-

world.de/dw/article/0,,4066430,00.html >

Motivasi. WordPress. 17 October 2009. 4 October 2010 <

dreamindonesia.wordpress.com/.../pertama-di-dunia-bank-sampah-di-indonesia/>

Chika. Kabarinews.com. 30 october 2009. 4 october 2010.

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Prihtiyanti, Eny. Kompas.com. 7 August 2008. 4 October 2010.

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