COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT TO ACHIEVE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS IN KOSAR VILLAGE, CIPEUNDEUY SUBDISTRICT, SUBANG REGENCY

Abstrak

The waste problem in Kosar Village, Cipeundeuy Subdistrict, Subang Regency, does not stem solely from inadequate infrastructure, but also from the way residents perceive and manage waste, particularly the habit of mixing kitchen waste with plastic wrappers and cans in a single disposal container. This study aims to examine the extent to which residents of Kosar Village understand the differences between organic and inorganic waste, as well as to identify the factors underlying their relatively simple waste management practices. The researchers conducted direct field observations, interviewed community leaders and environmental cadres, and reviewed supporting documents from the village office. The findings indicate that residents' understanding of waste classification is relatively adequate; however, this understanding is rarely followed by consistent action. Waste sorting is still considered inconvenient and has not yet become part of residents' daily habits. This condition is largely influenced by limited environmental education, the lack of adequate waste-sorting facilities, and long-standing practices of burning or indiscriminately disposing of waste. This study concludes by proposing several practical measures, including continuous and tiered environmental education and strengthening the role of environmental cadres, which are expected to encourage changes in residents' habits toward more organized and sustainable waste management.