Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, Indonesia, has launched an integrated waste management project that utilizes biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More and composting to process organic refuse from traditional markets. Led by the university’s doctoral program in agricultural sciences, the initiative focuses on transforming market byproducts into valuable agricultural inputs. The program emphasizes a decentralized approach to waste processing, aiming to establish sustainable waste-to-product cycles within local urban environments.

The primary challenge addressed by this project is the excessive accumulation of organic waste at sites like Pasar Gadang, which generates between six and ten tons of refuse daily. This waste stream, largely composed of vegetable scraps and woody debris, often remains unmanaged due to logistical constraints and limited landfill capacity. The resulting decomposition leads to environmental hazards, including foul odors and the potential for groundwater contamination through leachate, necessitating an efficient on-site solution.

To resolve these issues, the researchers deployed a dual-track technological solution. Dry organic matter, such as coconut husks and wood waste, is processed through pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More to create biochar, a stable form of carbon that enhances soil structure. Meanwhile, wet organic waste is diverted to composting units. By integrating biochar into the management strategy, the university provides a method to stabilize organic carbon and improve the efficacy of traditional compost, creating a high-quality soil amendmentA soil amendment is any material added to the soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, improving its suitability for plant growth. Biochar is considered a soil amendment as it can improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.   More for local farmers.

The implementation of these systems has resulted in a significant reduction in waste volume destined for landfills and the creation of nutrient-rich fertilizers. These outcomes demonstrate that converting market waste into biochar and compost can mitigate environmental pollution while supporting agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the project has established a technical framework that local communities can adopt to manage waste autonomously, reducing the burden on municipal services.