Thread: Bali's "Rubbish Bank"

Usually, a bank has clean and luxurious feeling about it. But this bank in Noja Street, Denpasar, is filled with rubbish.

The bank collects selected rubbish such as paper, plastics, and scrap metal from scavengers and citizens living nearby, and exchanges it for Rupiah.

Just like an ordinary bank, the Garbage Bank is a place to save money, but people save money by selling their rubbish.

The results are pretty amazing: locals become motivated to save money, the environment improves, and there’s an increase in employment opportunities for the community.

Some students in Denpasar Elementary School also have an account in the Garbage Bank, and they can save a pretty big amount of money.

[Made Bagiada, Owner, Rubbish Bank]:
“My attention was caught by news in mass media, it seems like all people around the world have problems with garbage. So then I think, what can I do for society. So, I built this Rubbish Bank. My Rubbish Bank is society-based, meaning, household garbage will be directly brought here, so it will not burden the landfill."

It was not easy for him to start this business. Many friends and relatives jeered because of his involvement in rubbish. However, he believes that his perseverance to continue the business, will bring a good result.

[Made Bagiada, Owner, Rubbish Bank]:
“If we just leave this rubbish, it can be harmful. People do not know that this rubbish has economic value, depending on how we treat it. If we can do something with the rubbihs, it can make a fairly good amount of money.”

Besides helping people save money, the Rubbish Bank also develops employment opportunities. Some creative youngsters create art works from plastic and iron rubbish, such as nightlight ornaments and souvenirs. These artistic products displayed in the Denpasar Art Work Exhibition can be sold to raise money.

?Rubbish Bank? Creates a Greener Environment in Bali -- NTDTV.com