Waste management is a crucial issue for sustainable development, particularly in
urban areas like Yogyakarta, which face significant pressures due to increased
economic activity and population growth. The high volume of daily waste has the
potential to pollute the environment if not managed properly. This research
employed an empirical, conducting a direct assessment of waste management
implementation in the Mergangsan Sub-district. Observations indicate that the
Mergangsan Sub-district has implemented waste management by integrating
circular economy concepts, demonstrated by encouraging waste sorting at source,
developing waste banks, and utilizing environmentally friendly technologies such
as maggot cultivation for organic waste processing. This approach aligns with the
3R principles at the heart of the circular economy. However, implementation still
faces challenges, including low public awareness of the importance of waste sorting
and active participation in circular economy programs, driven by single-use
consumption habits and a lack of equitable education. Furthermore, policy
harmonization and implementation remain challenging, with overlapping
regulations and a lack of clear incentives. Limited initial investment in
infrastructure, technology, and education, as well as a lack of competent human
resources, also hamper program optimization. Therefore, it is necessary to increase
education and outreach, develop attractive incentive schemes, and increase the
capacity of waste bank managers and environmental volunteers for the sustainability of the program.