This research examines the application of the principle of utility (asas manfaat) in
waste management at the Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) Kesiman
Kertalangu, managed by the Environmental and Sanitation Agency (DLHK) of
Denpasar City. Despite being designed as a pilot project utilizing Refuse Derived
Fuel (RDF) technology to convert waste into resources, the practical
implementation has not fully aligned with the mandates of Law Number 18 of 2008
on Waste Management. Employing a normative-empirical legal method, this study
analyzes legal norms governing waste management while also incorporating field
data obtained through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The
findings reveal that the waste treatment process continues to generate negative
environmental impacts, particularly unpleasant odors that remain unaddressed.
Moreover, the social and participatory dimensions of the utility principle are poorly
reflected, as community involvement and public outreach are minimal. This lack of
engagement has led to resistance and complaints from local residents, indicating
that the waste management efforts have not provided direct or tangible benefits to
the surrounding community. The waste management model, which appears to
emulate foreign systems, fails to consider local variables such as climate, waste
composition, and Bali's socio-cultural context. This gap between regulatory policy
and on-the-ground implementation highlights the urgent need for context-sensitive,
participatory approaches to achieve effective and beneficial waste management
practices.