Community Service Through Socialization of Simple Incinerators as Alternative Waste Management Solutions in Islamic Boarding Schools

Abstract

Waste management remains a critical challenge in many educational institutions, particularly Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in Indonesia, where large numbers of students generate substantial amounts of daily waste. Limited facilities and reliance on open dumping or uncontrolled burning often result in environmental and health problems. To address these challenges, this community service program aimed to introduce and socialize the use of a simple incinerator as an alternative waste management solution adapted to the conditions of pesantren communities. The program was implemented through a participatory approach consisting of four main stages: (1) initial discussions and engagement with pesantren leaders, teachers, and students to identify waste-related issues; (2) field observations and site inspections to evaluate existing waste practices and select appropriate locations; (3) participatory construction of a low-cost incinerator using local materials such as bricks and cement; and (4) training and demonstration sessions on the safe operation and maintenance of the incinerator, coupled with practical waste-handling activities. The results showed that the program successfully increased knowledge and awareness among students and staff regarding proper waste management. The simple incinerator provided an effective, low-cost, and sustainable solution for reducing unmanaged waste within the pesantren environment. A novelty of this work lies in integrating appropriate technology with participatory education, ensuring not only the installation of waste management infrastructure but also the transfer of knowledge and ownership to the community. In conclusion, this initiative demonstrated that simple incinerators, when introduced through collaborative engagement, can serve as effective tools for improving sanitation, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting sustainable community development in Islamic boarding schools.