Laboratory Waste Management in Indonesia: A Study on the Application of Balance Principle

Strategic Insights -

A recent study on laboratory waste management at Mataram University in Indonesia highlights the importance of implementing a balance principle to minimize environmental impacts. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory waste management practices in achieving sustainable waste disposal. The study found that applying the balance principle is still not optimal due to limited understanding, infrastructure, and policy support. The researchers recommend implementing the 3R principle, selecting safer chemicals, and increasing training and preparing clear SOPs to improve waste management practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The balance principle aims to balance laboratory activities and environmental protection by reducing waste at the source, sorting it out, and using environmentally friendly waste processing technology.
  • The research used a descriptive qualitative approach and found that waste identification reached 50%, with limitations in storage (44%) and transportation (43%).
  • Management and final disposal were minimal (33% and 38%), increasing environmental risks, while documentation, reporting (43%), and regulatory compliance (43%) still need to be improved.
  • The K3 aspect is quite good (54%), but emergency response procedures are still weak.
  • Sustainable management (37%) and environmental monitoring (43%) lack effort in mitigating environmental impacts.
  • Applying the principle of balance is essential to achieve sustainable laboratory waste management.

Statistics:

  • 50% of waste was identified, while 44% was not properly stored, and 43% was not transported correctly.
  • Management and final disposal were minimal, at 33% and 38%, respectively.
  • 43% of documentation, reporting, and regulatory compliance still need to be improved.
  • The K3 aspect is good at 54%, but emergency response procedures are weak.
  • Sustainable management and environmental monitoring lack effort, at 37% and 43%, respectively.

Sources:

  • "Evaluation of Laboratory Waste Management at Mataram University as a Basis for Preparing Environmental Pollution Prevention Policies." Jurnal Pijar MIPA (Pengkajian Ilmu dan Pengajaran Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam), 2025, 20(1).
  • doi:10.29303/jpm.v20i1.8213
  • University of Mataram.