Bali Hotels Step In To Help Tackle Waste Issues In Top Tourist Resorts

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Bali’s trash issues are not only making local headlines but also drawing international concern.

As the island’s biggest open landfill is set to finally close and is already banning organic waste from entering, the island’s waste management system feels more in disarray than ever, prompting private businesses, including 5-star hotels, to step in to help resolve the situation.

Speaking to reporters, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, the Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), has confirmed that a group of top-end hotels has pooled funds together to purchase organic waste processing equipment.

One of the biggest issues Bali’s waste management sector is facing right now is the mixing of organic and non-organic waste. If organic waste can be processed into compost using either traditional or intensively supported methods, a huge portion of the problem can be resolved. 

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Bali’s tourism sector, the province’s largest economic sector, has a significant role to play in addressing the island’s waste management issues. While many hotels and accommodation providers have implemented internal waste management systems, it is clear that more can be done.

While much of the waste being burned across communities in Bali right now, as well as much of the waste being turned away from Suwung TPA, the island’s biggest landfill, comes from residential properties, there is a general feeling that the tourism sector has to lead by example. 

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Suryawijaya told reporters, “We are working with several parties, and we are currently awaiting orders for equipment to progress organic waste into compost. It’s quite expensive, but we can afford it.” He confirmed that the purchase of this equipment will help tackle the problems of the moment and be of even more use when restrictions on the tourism sector waste come into effect later down the line. 

He explained that hotels, restaurants, and cafes contribute to 30-40% of the total waste produced in Denpasar and Badung Regency. This includes the waste produced in top tourism resorts like Canggu,Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Sanur.

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With the new Waste to Energy (PSEL) facility not yet even in construction, private businesses are going to have to play an increasingly proactive role in managing waste.

Suryawijaya explained, “The PSEL will take at least 1.8 years to complete. We have to think about the next two years because we know that Denpasar produces the largest amount of waste, with a total of 1,110 tons, and Badung produces 876 tonnes per day. If we expect a modern waste management system, it won’t be enough, and it will take them up to six months to compost naturally.”

The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association member properties that are pooling funds have chosen equipment that will process organic waste into compost in under 6 hours.

These types of machines can cost between IDR 200 million and IDR 1 billion. Suryawijaya shared, “We will find the location for it later, as we have done in the Berawa area, for example. One can be fused by several hotels that participate in the contribution.”

With more and more of Bali’s open landfill sites refusing mixed and organic waste, it is becoming even more apparent how quickly strategic action must be taken to deal with Bali’s waste management issues.

The problems affect local residents, tourists, and the environment in increasingly concerning ways. With landfill sites turning away garbage trucks that contain mixed and organic waste, communities are dealing with piles upon piles of trash, and feel they have little option but to burn it. 

The Acting Head of the Tabanan Regency Environmental Agency (DLH), I Gusti Agung Rai Dwipayana, has been stern in his response to the problem.

He feels that both communities and private businesses must learn quickly to sort their waste and recycle appropriately before sending trucks to the landfill. He told reporters, “In principle, only residual waste is allowed to enter the landfill. If it is not suitable, it must be returned. This is part of the learning process.”