KKNT Inovasi Students from IPB University Offer Innovation in Plastic Waste Management through Ecobrick Paving Blocks
Students from IPB University, who are part of the Real-Thematic Work Lecture (KKNT) team in Banjaragung Village, Tegal Regency, Central Java, conducted a socialization on the production of Ecobrick Paving Blocks. The event took place at the Waste Processing Site (TPS) in Banjaragung Village, involving community self-help groups, youth organizations, and local residents.
Muhammad Bayu Ibrahim, the leader of the KKNT Inovasi team in Banjaragung Village, explained that this initiative was driven by the high volume of plastic waste at the TPS. While organic waste is already being processed through maggot farming, plastic waste remains a significant environmental concern.
“In Banjaragung Village, waste management is already quite effective with the TPS and maggot farming for organic waste. However, the large volume of plastic waste necessitates innovation in plastic waste management,” said H Paidar Baktiarso, SE, the Village Chief of Banjaragung.
In response, the KKNT Inovasi team from IPB University in Banjaragung Village developed an innovation to convert plastic waste into ecobricks shaped like paving blocks. “Ecobrick paving blocks are an innovation that turns plastic waste into the main material for paving blocks, consisting of a mixture of plastic waste, used oil, and sand in a 60:30:10 ratio,” Bayu explained.
He noted that the process of making paving blocks is relatively simple, starting with the sorting of plastic waste already present at the TPS. This is followed by heating used oil until it boils, adding the plastic waste, mixing in sand, and finally, the molding process to create the paving blocks.
“The production of ecobrick paving blocks not only offers a solution to reduce the volume of plastic waste, which is harmful to the environment, but also serves as an innovative waste processing product that can have economic value and benefit the community,” said Bayu. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
