TRENGGALEK – The closure of a temporary waste disposal site in Kedungsigit Village, Trenggalek Regency, has triggered growing tensions among residents, leaving many households uncertain about where to dispose of their daily garbage.

The waste disposal site, known locally as a TPS, sits in Kedungsigit Village, Karangan District. Local residents themselves initiated the closure after becoming frustrated with recurring waste management problems.

Kedungsigit Village Head Arys Cahyo Widigdo said several factors contributed to the decision. One of the main issues involved frequent delays in waste collection by the responsible government agency.

Residents also faced increasing pressure after temporary waste sites in several neighboring villages stopped operating. As a result, people from outside Kedungsigit began disposing of their garbage at the village’s TPS.

The influx of waste pushed the facility beyond its capacity. Piles of garbage continued to grow, prompting frustrated residents to seal off the site.

“The closure of the waste disposal site happened because of several issues,” Arys said on Tuesday.

While some residents supported the move, others opposed it. Many villagers relied on the facility for daily waste disposal and now struggle to find an alternative location.

“Residents who still need the facility have protested because no decision has been reached until now,” he said.

The dispute has created a difficult situation for village authorities. Officials must balance residents’ concerns about waste accumulation with the need to maintain access to public waste services.

Arys said the village administration has coordinated with the Trenggalek Environmental Agency (DLH) to address the problem. However, the agency has so far only proposed assistance in the form of fencing for the site.

“We have coordinated with the environmental agency. They plan to provide fencing, but the assistance has not yet been realized,” he said.

Village officials believe discussions with residents offer the best path toward resolving the conflict. The administration plans to organize a community meeting to gather input from all parties and seek a mutually acceptable solution.

According to Arys, many Kedungsigit residents still require the waste disposal site. Closing it permanently without an alternative system could create new environmental challenges in residential areas.

Local leaders hope the planned deliberation will help restore orderly waste management. They also want to prevent illegal dumping and garbage accumulation near homes.

The case highlights broader waste management challenges in parts of Trenggalek, where limited disposal facilities and collection delays continue to affect local communities. Authorities now face pressure to find a sustainable solution that addresses residents’ concerns while ensuring proper waste handling in Kedungsigit Village.