INCREASING STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN WASTE SORTING THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ZERO WASTE

Abstract

The waste problem in Indonesia is a complex environmental issue, characterized by low public awareness and limited effective management. One strategic effort to address this issue is the implementation of the zero waste concept from an early age in schools. This study aims to increase student participation in sorting organic and inorganic waste through the implementation of zero waste-based educational methods. The study used socialization and education methods on waste sorting through zero waste. Evaluation was conducted by administering a post-test on waste understanding and waste sorting practices involving 18 third-grade students at State Elementary School 10 Metro Pusat. The results showed a significant increase in students' understanding and practice of waste sorting. 88.9% of students were able to correctly sort organic waste, while 94.4% were able to correctly sort inorganic waste. Furthermore, the post-education test results showed that the majority of students understood the material well, with 50% of students answering all questions correctly. These findings demonstrate that the zero waste-based learning method is effective in fostering student awareness and participation in waste management and can be implemented as an environmental learning strategy in elementary schools.