TULUNGAGUNG – Tulungagung faces a growing waste management challenge after daily garbage production reached around 454 tons, according to local environmental authorities.

The sharp rise in waste volume has increased pressure on the regional government as population growth and consumer activity continue to expand across the regency.

The Tulungagung Environmental Agency (DLH) calculated the figure using Indonesia’s national waste management standard. Officials estimate that each resident produces around 0.4 kilograms of waste every day.

With Tulungagung’s population now approaching 1.1 million people, total daily waste production has climbed to hundreds of tons. Household trash, market waste, commercial activity, and business operations contribute heavily to the growing pile of garbage.

Ginanjar Eko Santoso, head of waste and hazardous waste management at the agency, said waste production increases every year alongside economic growth and rising consumption patterns.

“Waste volume continues to rise annually. The increase reaches around 22 to 25 tons each year,” Ginanjar said.

The mounting volume has placed additional strain on downstream waste handling systems, especially final disposal sites. Because of that, the agency has shifted its focus toward reducing waste at the source instead of relying only on collection and disposal systems.

Acting head of the Tulungagung Environmental Agency, Anang Pratistianto, stressed that solving the waste problem requires active public participation.

“We continue encouraging waste reduction through education programs and stronger waste bank management,” Anang said.

The agency currently records around 105 active waste banks operating across Tulungagung. Authorities expect those facilities to help residents sort household waste before it reaches landfills.

Officials also believe waste banks can provide economic benefits for local communities. Residents can separate recyclable materials such as plastic, cardboard, and bottles for resale, while organic waste can support compost production.

Anang said changing public behavior remains the biggest obstacle in waste management efforts. Many households still mix organic and inorganic waste without sorting it first.

“We want residents to start separating waste from their homes. Early sorting can significantly reduce pressure on landfill sites,” he explained.

The environmental agency has intensified public education campaigns through schools, villages, environmental communities, and waste bank volunteers. Officials hope the programs can build long-term awareness instead of temporary public interest.

Rising garbage production has also raised concerns about the future capacity of landfill facilities in Tulungagung. Authorities warn that waste management pressure could become much more severe in the coming years if the trend continues.

To reduce the growing burden, the agency urged residents to adopt low-waste lifestyles, reduce single-use plastic consumption, and reuse items whenever possible.

“Waste management must start from households. If everyone works together, we can reduce daily waste volume,” Anang said.