When TPS Are No Longer Just Trash Dumps, This Is What Happens in Surabaya

Surabaya's mornings are often marked not just by the rising sun, but by the lingering smell of accumulated waste and the sight of overflowing temporary disposal sites (TPS). These areas, meant for brief waste transit, have increasingly become permanent fixtures, reflecting deeper issues within the city's management and its understanding of its citizens' lives. The city's rhythm is disrupted as waste carts linger longer than they should, sorting activities extend beyond allotted times, and the intended swift flow of waste management slows to a crawl.

In response to this mounting problem, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi has implemented a policy to prevent waste carts from parking at TPS. This seemingly simple measure aims to reclaim the intended function of these spaces and address the complex interplay between systemic discipline, spatial governance, and the informal economy that thrives within the city. With approximately 1,600 tons of waste generated daily, the strain on the management system is immense, transforming TPS from mere transit points into burdensome repositories.

However, the issue extends beyond mere logistics. The rising price of plastics has transformed waste into a valuable commodity, creating an informal economy where individuals rely on discarded materials for their livelihood. This creates a paradox: while high consumption generates abundant waste, this waste simultaneously supports vulnerable populations. Consequently, TPS are not just disposal sites but also economic zones, complicating efforts to maintain order and cleanliness as sorted waste can become scattered, exacerbating the sanitation challenges.