SEAToday.com, Jakarta – The Jakarta Provincial Government (Pemprov) will require residents to sort their waste starting January 1, 2025, to be exempt from the cleaning service levy (RPB).

“Households that actively sort their waste and become customers of waste banks will qualify for an exemption from the cleaning service levy. Those who do not comply will be charged a retribution fee,” stated Asep Kuswanto, Head of Jakarta's Environment Agency, on Sunday.

Asep emphasized that sorting waste at the source is a crucial step to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support a waste reduction revolution through the RPB program.

The implementation is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2025, with exemptions offered as an incentive for residents who consistently sort their waste or participate in waste bank programs. The aim is to foster greater public awareness and engagement in waste management.

“We have implemented RW-based waste management programs, promoted the circular economy through waste banks, and established the Jakarta Recycle Center (JRC) in Pesanggrahan,” Asep added.

The RPB policy has received support from the central government. The Minister of Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, highlighted that the policy incentivizes households that sort waste at the source, allowing them to avoid retribution fees.

According to the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), the total waste generated in 2023 reached 38.4 million tons annually and only 61.62% was managed properly, leaving 38.38% untreated.

In Jakarta alone, waste production amounts to approximately 7,500 tons daily, with residential areas contributing 60% of the total, while the remaining 29% comes from business and industrial sectors.