Integrating social capital and the MSN approach in community-based waste management: Lessons from the Mentari waste Bank in Gresik, Indonesia

This study examines the Mentari Waste Bank in Gresik, Indonesia, addressing gaps in the community-based waste management literature. It explores the interaction between social capital, the Mentality, Systems, and Networks (MSN) framework, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With Indonesia’s population exceeding 281 million in 2024 and East Java generating 6.1 million tons of waste annually, unsustainable practices pose significant risks. Using a descriptive qualitative case study approach, data were collected via interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings show that the Mentari Waste Bank promotes environmental awareness and economic resilience by integrating the MSN framework. Educational campaigns and trust-building shifted mind-sets toward waste sorting and recycling. Innovations like composters and eco-enzymes reduced landfill dependency by 30%, aligning with SDG 11 and SDG 12. Collaboration with local governments, NGOs, and media strengthened social capital, enabling scalable solutions. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers to replicate the model globally.