Our Goal is Not Just to Manage Waste But to Prevent it From Becoming a Problem in the First Place: Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, CEO of Waste4Change

Waste4Change is a leading waste management platform serving companies, individuals, and government agencies in Indonesia. Since its inception in 2014, the company has focused on solving waste challenges by preventing environmental leakage and reducing landfill waste.

SME Business Review reached out to Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, founder and CEO of Waste4Change, for an interview to discuss his journey, the impact of responsible waste management, and the future of sustainability. Here's what Mr. Junerosano had to say.

Interview Excerpts

What inspired you to start Waste4Change?

I have always believed that waste is not just something to be discarded but something that can be managed responsibly to benefit both people and the environment. Growing up, I saw how unmanaged waste polluted cities, rivers, and communities. Instead of waiting for a solution, I decided to build one. Waste4Change started with a vision to reshape how waste is handled—focusing on reducing, reusing, and ensuring proper disposal.

How does Waste4Change go beyond traditional waste management?

Many waste management systems focus on simply collecting and disposing of waste, which often leads to landfills overflowing and harmful pollution. We approach waste as a resource, integrating technology, education, and structured processing to create a circular economy. Our goal is not just to manage waste but to prevent it from becoming a problem in the first place.

Why is waste segregation so important?

Proper waste segregation determines whether waste becomes an asset or a liability. When waste is mixed, recyclable materials are lost, and organic waste contributes to landfill problems. By ensuring waste is properly categorized, we make recycling more efficient, composting more effective, and disposal far more responsible. Small habits like separating organic and plastic waste at home make a huge difference in reducing environmental damage.

How do you ensure people and businesses take responsibility for their waste?

Education is key. Many people don’t realize how much of their waste can be managed differently. We work closely with businesses, households, and communities to raise awareness and provide practical solutions. Through workshops, training, and digital tools, we help people see waste management as more than a task—it’s a daily responsibility that impacts the environment and future generations.

How do businesses benefit from adopting responsible waste management?

Businesses generate significant amounts of waste, and if not handled properly, it leads to excessive landfill use and unnecessary costs. We help businesses develop structured waste management strategies, improve recycling efficiency, and comply with environmental regulations. Beyond just sustainability, responsible waste practices improve operational efficiency and enhance corporate reputation.

How does technology improve waste management?

Technology allows us to track and analyze waste patterns, ensuring that waste is directed to the right channels instead of being dumped or mismanaged. Real-time monitoring gives businesses and communities better visibility over their waste footprint. Digital solutions also help us educate people more effectively and connect them with sustainable waste management practices.

How can households contribute to better waste management?

Small daily habits make a big impact. Separating recyclables, composting organic waste, and reducing single-use plastics all contribute to a cleaner environment. We provide resources and programs that help families adopt sustainable practices without disrupting their routines. When households take responsibility for their waste, it creates a ripple effect that benefits entire communities.

What challenges do you face in addressing plastic waste?

Plastic waste is a major issue because it takes decades to break down and often ends up in rivers and oceans. We focus on ensuring that recyclable plastics are properly processed and repurposed instead of being dumped carelessly. Collaboration with recycling centers, businesses, and government agencies helps us recover more plastic and turn it into valuable materials instead of pollution.

How do partnerships strengthen Waste4Change’s impact?

Waste management is not a one-company effort. We work with government agencies, corporations, and non-profits to expand responsible waste collection, recycling programs, and sustainable disposal solutions. These partnerships allow us to scale faster and reach more communities, ensuring that waste management is handled effectively at all levels.

What keeps you motivated in this work?

Seeing real change. When a community successfully reduces its waste, when a business implements sustainable practices, or when plastic waste is turned into something useful instead of polluting the environment, that’s what keeps me going. Waste is often seen as a problem, but with the right mindset and action, it becomes an opportunity to create something better.

What is your vision for the future of waste management?

I want to see waste treated as a resource, not as garbage. A future where every household, business, and government prioritizes responsible waste management. When waste is handled properly, it leads to cleaner cities, healthier communities, and a more sustainable way of living. Progress happens when everyone plays a part, and I believe we are moving in that direction.

Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, Founder & CEO, Waste4Change

We focus on ensuring that recyclable plastics are properly processed and repurposed instead of being dumped carelessly.