From Disposal To Circularity: Institutional And Socio-Economic Dimensions Of Urban Waste Management In Makassar City, Indonesia

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management remains a pressing challenge in rapidly urbanizing cities in the Global South, where institutional capacity, environmental risks, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities intersect. This study examines urban waste governance and community-based circular economy practices in Makassar City, Indonesia, a coastal metropolitan area experiencing a steady increase in municipal solid waste production. Using a mixed qualitative-descriptive approach, the study integrates field observations, policy and institutional analysis, and community-based data collected in areas surrounding municipal landfills. Findings reveal persistent gaps between regulatory frameworks and operational practices, particularly in waste segregation, landfill management, and inter-agency coordination. Although national and local policies promote sustainable waste management and circular economy principles, implementation remains largely disposal-oriented, with reliance on landfills continuing to dominate the system. The study also identifies the crucial role of informal waste actors, waste banks, and community-driven recycling initiatives in reducing waste volumes and generating local economic benefits. However, these initiatives face structural obstacles, including limited legal recognition, inadequate institutional integration, and limited access to financial and technical support. This study argues that strengthening urban waste management in Makassar requires a transition from a landfill-centric approach to an integrated, community-based circular economy model. By highlighting institutional challenges and grassroots innovations, this study provides empirical insights into the literature on sustainable urban environmental governance and offers policy-relevant lessons for rapidly growing coastal cities in developing countries.