Community Collection and Recycling of PET in East Java, Indonesia (PPRS)

This project partner supports the community collection and recycling of PET plastic not only in Java Island, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Indonesia produces 3.2 million tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste a year, of which about 1.29 million tonnes ends up in the sea, according to the UNEP. While the country has ambitious waste reduction targets, lack of collection and processing infrastructure remains a barrier. It is estimated that less than 10% of plastics are recycled in Indonesia. 

This project partner aims to build a socially responsible supply chain that ensures a steady, dignified livelihood to direct and indirect employees. Waste pickers collect mixed waste from household and public areas, then sell it to aggregators. The project’s collection centres buy plastic PET bottles from aggregators, then sort, bale and deliver it to their recycling facility, which produces RPET food grade resins.

This program demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sustainability, addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects of the plastic recycling industry in Indonesia, 

Funds from the sale of credits go towards enhancing collection centres, investing in the well-being of employees by providing access to social and financial services like savings and insurance, and ensuring a sustainable supply of feedstock for the facility by expanding collection, which puts money back into local communities. Their goal is to create a positive impact on the lives of the workers, the environment, and the communities they serve.