The integrating of zero waste principles from national to local regulations: Case study of Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Garbage disposal to landfill is a waste of limited natural resources. The concept of upstream waste management to minimize waste dumped into a landfill is called Zero Waste. A number of cities in the world have successfully applied this concept and have demonstrated that it can save the limited natural resources. The application of the concept of Zero Waste needs a proper policy. Both Indonesia and the city of Banda Aceh have waste management policies which contain Zero Waste principles. In this paper, we argue that the city regulation is more detailed compared to the national regulation which could result in better waste management in terms of waste reduction. These include waste separation and avoidance, extended producer responsibility, pay as you throw scheme, community recycling centers and the provision of incentives and disincentives. The purpose of this paper is to examine how Zero Waste principles have been integrated into the policies at the national and Banda Aceh levels. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with waste experts including academics, government officers, and waste activists, as well as regulations reviews. This paper recommended that Banda Aceh develop more regulations incorporating Zero Waste principles.