UNAIR NEWS “ In line with the principles of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and efforts to enhance community welfare, the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at UNAIR) launched a community service program from July 15 to July 21, 2024. Prior to implementing the initiative, the BEM FST UNAIR team conducted a preliminary survey of residents in Manduro Manggung Gajah Village.
The survey revealed that the village lacked an adequate waste disposal system for household waste, leading to accumulation and ineffective waste management. Based on these findings, the team proposed the development of a tool to assist residents in managing waste more efficiently. The initiative focused on ECOSS: Eco Smart Sorter, an innovative ultrasonic sensor-based waste sorting device designed to support the village™s transformation into an ecovillage.
The program aimed to provide a sustainable waste management solution by integrating a waste bank system with the ECOSS device and promoting the concept of a waste management hub aligned with Green Economy principles. œTo ensure the success of this initiative, we collaborated with the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) and the local youth organization, Karang Taruna. This partnership allows the community to gain a deeper understanding of effective waste management using the ECOSS device, explained Afzal, a representative of the community service team.
Innovative approach
Since mid-June 2024, the community service team has been planning and preparing for the construction of a waste management hub and the ECOSS sorting device. On July 15, 2024, a team of 20 members worked on building the waste management facility and assembling the ECOSS system, with the device™s framework being fabricated in a metal welding workshop.
The assembly process involved constructing the ECOSS unit, conducting awareness sessions for residents in Buluresik and Gajah Mungkur hamlets, and demonstrating the device™s functionality in sorting inorganic waste. Additionally, the team monitored the performance of the ECOSS system and the newly built waste management hub.
How ECOSS sorting system works
The ECOSS: Eco Smart Sorter system begins by collecting waste from various sources, including households, public facilities, and businesses in Manduro Manggung Gajah Village. This collection is conducted on a scheduled basis using waste transport vehicles or through designated drop-off points at sorting locations.
Once gathered, waste is placed into the sorting hopper under periodic supervision. A preliminary manual sorting process removes large or hazardous materials that cannot be processed by the automated system. The remaining waste is then transported via a conveyor system to the primary sorting unit for further processing.
Community awareness on waste management
The team also organized educational sessions for Manduro Manggung Gajah residents, village officials, BUMDes representatives, and Karang Taruna members. Approximately 20 participants attended the sessions, which covered effective waste management techniques, the ECOSS system™s functionality, and long-term maintenance strategies.
œThe enthusiasm among attendees was remarkable, as nearly all invitees participated in the session. Despite their busy schedules, the residents made time to learn more about sustainable waste management, demonstrating their strong commitment to environmental conservation, Afzal noted.
Future aspirations
Despite the challenges faced during execution, the ECOSS initiative is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the residents of Manduro Manggung Gajah Village, Mojokerto. The team also hopes the village will serve as a model for other communities striving to become waste-free.
œThe FST BEM Community Service Team hopes that ECOSS will facilitate waste management and raise awareness of sustainable waste disposal and environmental conservation in Manduro Manggung Gajah Village. We will continue monitoring the program to ensure its long-term success, Afzal concluded.
Author: Nikmatus Zahroh Rizkiatul Maulidiyah, Noor Azizah Aghitsnaa, Habil Abawi
