Apparently, the design of trash bins also affects the outcome of the efforts to maintain cleanliness. As an example, people may be hesitant to use trash bins with lids that have to be opened by hand as it may cause discomfort and increase the risk of contact with dirty garbage.

Furthermore, trash bin designs would also need to show clear and easy-to-understand instructions for sorting garbage according to its type. If not, the garbage may mix even though a separate section has been provided.

From these problems, an ITB team has tried to realize one of the pillars of higher education by making a smart trash bin. This team was made up of lecturer Dr. Megawati Zunita and two students, Viona Aulia Rachmi and Chairul Syifarachman.

The smart trash bin which was named GaneSHCA ITB makes it easier for users to throw the trash without touching the bin itself. The trash bin can open by itself from a distance of 47 cm to minimize contact with bacteria and viruses in the bin.

GaneSCHA ITB was introduced in Cibeusi Village, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency, West Java as an effort of community empowerment. According to data, said the village has a fairly large number of poor households and the lowest village development achievement index in comparison to other villages. The ITB team realized that environmental problems were often directly proportional to education, so they chose that location as a target for the program execution.

Not only in the form of equipment, Dr. Megawati and her team are also trying to raise public awareness of environmental cleanliness. On September 24, 2022, they conducted counseling titled "The Importance of Education" which was attended by Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) cadres and youth organization members. "The community accepted this program with great enthusiasm, and even asked a lot about scholarship opportunities and working at ITB," Dr. Megawati said as she wrote in Rekacipta ITB, March 14 2023 edition.

The second counseling was held on 19 November 2022 with the theme "Organic and Inorganic Waste Management" to educate on the principles of waste sorting and how to manage it.

After the counseling session, the ITB team invited the participants to get to know the GaneSHCA ITB smart trash bin by assembling it together. They also handed over 10 units of said trash bins to the Cibeusi Village to be placed in various public services locations, such as schools and fields.

"In the early stages, GaneSHCA ITB will be made in pairs, namely for organic and inorganic waste, so that people can process waste according to its type," they explained. In the end, this community service activity is hoped to increase the environmental awareness of Cibeusi Village’s people so as to create a beautiful and healthy environment.

*This article has been published in ITB Engineering rubric at Media Indonesia, the full article can be read on the page https://pengabdian.lppm.itb.ac.id

Reporter: Sekar Dianwidi Bisowarno (Bioengineering, 2019)
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)