Evaluation of Waste Management System in the School Environment as an Environmental Education Effort

Abstract

The problem of waste is one of the environmental issues that is receiving increasing attention in the context of sustainable development, including in the educational environment. Schools as educational institutions not only play a role in transferring knowledge, but also shaping students' awareness and behavior towards the environment. One of the efforts that can be made is through the implementation of a good waste management system in the school environment. This study aims to evaluate the waste management system in the school environment as part of environmental education efforts for school residents. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques through observation, documentation, and literature studies. The results of the study show that the waste management system in schools includes waste sorting activities, the provision of sorted waste bins, organic waste processing through composting, and environmental education activities for students. However, the implementation of the waste management system still faces several obstacles, such as limited facilities, lack of awareness among some school residents, and the lack of optimal integration of environmental education programs in learning activities. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen school policies, increase the participation of school residents, and integrate environmental education in the curriculum to increase the effectiveness of waste management. This research is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable waste management practices in the school environment and support the formation of environmental care character in students.