Optimizing Waste Management Systems to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the Small Island of Kodingareng Lompo, Indonesia

The absence of an effective waste management system in small island areas significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly from uncontrolled open burning. This study analyzes the potential of an integrated waste management system to reduce GHG emissions in Kodingareng Lompo Island by comparing existing practices with an alternative scenario aligned with Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 97 of 2017, which targets 30% waste reduction and 70% waste handling. Emission estimates were calculated using the IPCC methodology and global warming potential (GWP) approach. Under existing conditions, waste reduction is minimal (1.37%), while 98.63% of waste is handled through environmentally unsound practices, primarily open burning, marine disposal, and uncontrolled dumping. The alternative scenario introduces a resource-oriented paradigm, achieving 31.88% waste reduction and 68.12% controlled waste handling. As a result, total GWP decreases substantially from 171,708.79 kg CO₂e yr⁻¹ to 61,123.91 kg CO₂e yr⁻¹, representing a 64.40% reduction. This decline is driven by significant decreases in CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions following the elimination of open burning and the optimization of biological and controlled treatment processes. These findings demonstrate that the proposed integrated waste management scheme significantly reduces GHG emissions and provides a feasible and replicable model for small island contexts facing similar infrastructural and governance constraints. Its implementation requires coordinated engagement among local authorities, communities, and waste management operators, contributing to climate change mitigation and supporting sustainable coastal ecosystem management.