Integrating Design Thinking into Household Organic Waste Management: A Participatory Approach Toward a Circular Economy in Cirebon City, Indonesia 10.32526/ennrj/24/20250358

Abstract

Household organic waste management in many Indonesian cities remains dominated by linear collect-transport-dispose systems, limiting the implementation of circular economy principles. In Cirebon City, low community participation and limited source separation remain key challenges. This study aims to integrate the Design Thinking framework into the assessment of household organic waste management behavior to support the transition toward a circular economy. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining a quantitative survey of 300 households and participatory qualitative observations involving 30 respondents from three active community-based waste banks. Five behavioral indicators awareness and understanding, attitudes toward the program, actual waste management practices, willingness to participate, and perceptions of circular economy benefits were measured using a Likert scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. The results show a significant positive relationship between awareness, willingness to participate, and perceived benefits of the circular economy (ρ=0.395; p<0.01). Field implementation of the Design Thinking stages (Empathize Test) resulted in a 23% increase in community participation, improved perception of economic benefits, and the formation of habitual organic waste sorting behavior. Prototype trials using three types of dry materials (sawdust, charred rice husk, and raw rice husk) indicated that sawdust was the most effective, maintaining composting temperature stability (38-42°C) and producing mature, odor-free compost. This study contributes a participatory behavioral assessment framework that integrates Design Thinking into household organic waste management. The findings provide practical implications for local governments and community-based programs in strengthening circular economy implementation at the household level.