Where does Plastic Waste go? A Geo-Referenced and Bottom-Up Approach to Assess Plastic Waste Flows at the Neighbourhood Level in Indonesia

Background: Rapid urbanization and increased consumption have escalated plastic waste challenges globally, particularly in middle and low-income countries like Indonesia, where waste management systems struggle to keep pace with a growing waste generation. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of data on waste flows in those countries. Taking Bandung, Indonesia, as a case study, this research aims to understand the differential impacts of neighborhood characteristics on plastic waste flows and management strategies, utilizing a georeferenced, bottom-up approach for building a Material Flow Analysis (MFA). Methods: We surveyed five distinct neighborhoods in Bandung, employing geo-questionnaires, a mobile data application, and waste sampling methods, alongside GIS analysis, to track and analyze the flow of single-use plastics. These data collection methods were designed to capture both the quantitative flow of plastics and the socio-economic variables influencing waste management practices locally. Results: Findings indicate significant variability in plastic waste generation, collection, and processing across neighborhoods, which are also influenced by factors such as income levels, and education. Notably, neighborhoods with structured recycling programs demonstrated more efficient waste management practices. Conclusion: The study underscores the necessity of neighborhood-specific waste management strategies in urban areas. The integration of MFA with spatially explicit data collection methods offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing local waste management challenges, highlighting the potential for targeted policy interventions that reflect the unique needs of each neighborhood. These findings suggest that urban waste management policies should consider localized data to optimize interventions.