Rethinking Waste

In collaboration with Wahu, this Co/Lab is exploring new ways to improve the waste collection system in Indonesia. The current system is evolving, with the government gradually taking on more responsibility, yet private initiatives and the informal waste sector continue to play a crucial role.

Waste collectors are the backbone of Indonesia’s recycling system, yet they are often overlooked in formalised solutions. A design team of Dutch and Indonesian designers is researching and exploring how waste collectors can be fairly and effectively integrated into a more sustainable and efficient waste management system.

From Research to Impact

Through co-creation with local waste collectors, residents, industry, and government agencies, new solutions are being developed that align with real-world practices. The lab focuses on improving waste collection, strengthening the position of waste collectors, and reducing environmental impact. By combining research, design, and experimentation, the design team is developing concrete strategies that Wahu and other stakeholders can use to create lasting improvements in Indonesia’s waste collection system.