According to the World Bank, about 4.9 million tons of the 7.8 million tons of plastic waste that Indonesia generates annually is mismanaged. Rivers carry and discharge some 83% of the plastic that ends up in the marine environment.

As the Alliance’s first trash trap initiative, the UnHas River Bound project will help stem the flow of marine debris entering the sea via the Maros, Cenrana, and Pinrang in the South Sulawesi region of Indonesia.

The waste collected by traps placed in the three rivers will be diverted to a waste processing unit that will facilitate the transfer, storage, segregation, washing and composting of the waste. Local communities will simultaneously be educated on the responsible use and disposal of plastics.

At the waste processing unit, plastic waste collected from the rivers are cleaned and processed before being sent for recycling.

In conclusion, the collaboration with University Hasanuddin plays a vital role within the framework of the university's Student Study Service program, Kuliah Kerja Nyata. This program demonstrates a commendable commitment by students to engage in community service as an integral part of their higher education journey, focusing on enhancing the well-being of local residents. The students' collaborative efforts extend to various project partners, which encompass local government bodies, academics, waste banks, recyclers, and waste processing facilities. This collaborative approach serves as a meaningful endeavor that contributes positively to the community and fosters a valuable learning experience for the students involved.