TRIBUN BALI: Where Will South Bali’s Trash Go After Suwung Closes?
The Impending Closure of Suwung Landfill
The Suwung Landfill, a critical waste disposal site for South Bali, is scheduled to officially close on March 1, 2026. This landfill has served as the primary waste management facility for Denpasar City and Badung Regency, handling a significant portion of the region's waste. Its closure marks a pivotal moment for Bali's waste management system, which has been under increasing pressure due to rising waste generation and environmental concerns.
With the closure of Suwung, approximately 50 percent of the waste currently processed there will be redirected to the Bangli Landfill, located about 54 kilometers from Denpasar. This shift is not just a logistical challenge; it also raises concerns about the sustainability of waste management practices in Bali, a region that heavily relies on tourism and has been facing environmental degradation.
Logistical Challenges Ahead
Transporting waste from South Bali to the Bangli Landfill presents significant logistical hurdles. Each trip is expected to take up to one and a half hours, which could strain transportation resources and increase operational costs. The Bangli Landfill, which has been in operation since 2010, covers 4.75 hectares and has a total capacity of over 5.4 million cubic meters. However, with the current intake rate, it is projected to reach full capacity within the next one and a half to two years, raising urgent questions about long-term waste management solutions.
Authorities have indicated that the transition to Bangli will require enhanced waste reduction strategies and the establishment of more efficient waste processing facilities. As reported by local officials, the need for regional coordination among municipalities is critical to ensure that waste is managed effectively and sustainably.
The Future of Waste Management in Bali
The closure of Suwung Landfill and the reliance on Bangli Landfill highlight the urgent need for Bali to rethink its waste management strategies. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, budget constraints have forced the Bangli site to operate under a controlled landfill system, which is less efficient than its original sanitary landfill operation. This shift has raised concerns about the environmental impact of waste management practices in the region.
Experts emphasize the importance of implementing innovative waste management solutions, including recycling initiatives and composting programs, to reduce the volume of waste generated. Additionally, public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging responsible waste disposal and reduction practices will be essential in mitigating the impending waste crisis as the region prepares for the operational challenges that lie ahead.
Sources: Intip Kondisi Terkini TPA Bangli, Lokasi Denpasar & Badung Membuang Sampah Buntut TPA Suwung Ditutup; Tribun Bali