Untag Surabaya KKN Group NR 7 Introduces Eco-Value Greenpress Innovation in RW 02 Kertajaya 1

Mechanical Engineering Students’ Efforts to Reduce Plastic Waste Through a Manual Bottle Press and the Provision of Trash Bins

SURABAYA, June 2026 — Plastic waste remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges in urban residential areas. In RW 02 Kertajaya 1, Kertajaya Village, Gubeng District, Surabaya, the accumulation of plastic bottle waste has become a recurring issue, as trash bins often reach capacity quickly due to the large size and bulky shape of discarded bottles.

Responding to this situation, Satrio Soesanto Gunawan, a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of 17 Agustus 1945 (Untag) Surabaya and a member of KKN Group NR 7, introduced an environmental initiative called Eco-Value Greenpress. The program was implemented in June 2026 under the supervision of Field Supervisor Lecturer (DPL) Ir. Hery Murnawan, S.T., M.T., CSCA, with the goal of improving waste management efficiency through the provision of trash bins and a manually operated plastic bottle press.

Addressing the Challenge of Plastic Waste Accumulation

Field observations conducted during the community service program revealed that a significant portion of the available space in community trash bins was occupied by empty plastic bottles that had been discarded in their original shape.

Although lightweight, these bottles consume a considerable amount of storage space due to their size. As a result, trash bins become full more quickly, leading to inefficient waste collection and the potential accumulation of waste around residential areas.

Recognizing the need for a practical and sustainable solution, the KKN team developed the Eco-Value Greenpress initiative to encourage residents to reduce waste volume directly at the source.

Introducing a Manual Bottle Press and Community Trash Bins

The Eco-Value Greenpress program provides residents with a dedicated trash bin along with a black-colored manual bottle press that operates entirely without electricity.

The device is designed using a simple mechanical pressing system, making it easy to use for people of various age groups. Residents only need to place an empty plastic bottle inside the pressing chamber and apply manual force to flatten it.

Once compressed, the bottle can be disposed of in the provided trash bin. By reducing the bottle’s volume before disposal, significantly more plastic waste can be accommodated within the same storage capacity.

According to Satrio Soesanto Gunawan, the main objective of the innovation is to maximize the utilization of available waste storage space while encouraging more responsible waste disposal habits within the community.

Supporting More Efficient Waste Management

Beyond reducing the amount of space occupied by plastic bottles, the Eco-Value Greenpress initiative also contributes to a more efficient waste management process.

Flattened bottles are easier to collect, transport, and store compared to bottles that remain intact. This improvement can help reduce the frequency of waste collection and optimize transportation efficiency, particularly in densely populated residential areas.

Field Supervisor Lecturer Ir. Hery Murnawan, ST., MT., CSCA explained that simple engineering-based innovations can play an important role in addressing environmental challenges at the community level. He emphasized that practical solutions such as Eco-Value Greenpress demonstrate how appropriate technology can provide direct benefits to residents while supporting environmental sustainability.

Creating Environmental and Economic Benefits

In addition to its environmental impact, the program also offers economic advantages for local waste collectors and recycling stakeholders.

Compressed plastic bottles require less storage space and are easier to handle during collection and transportation. These conditions can improve the efficiency of recycling activities and increase the economic value of recyclable plastic materials.

By encouraging residents to flatten plastic bottles before disposal, the initiative promotes a more organized waste management system while supporting the circular economy through improved recycling practices.

A Commitment to Community Service and Sustainable Innovation

The Eco-Value Greenpress initiative forms part of the community service activities carried out through the 2026 Community Service Program (KKN) of Untag Surabaya. The project represents the application of mechanical engineering knowledge to solve real-world environmental problems faced by local communities.

Through collaboration between students, academic supervisors, and residents of RW 02 Kertajaya 1, the program is expected to contribute to cleaner neighborhoods, more efficient waste management practices, and greater public awareness regarding plastic waste reduction.

As a community-based innovation, Eco-Value Greenpress reflects the commitment of Untag Surabaya students to developing practical and sustainable solutions that create tangible benefits for society.

Author: Satrio Soesanto Gunawan — Mechanical Engineering Student, University of 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya, KKN Group NR 7.