Developing Entrepreneurial Spirit Through the Utilization of Solid Aluminum Workshop Waste into Economically Valuable Flower Pot Shelf Interior Products

Abstract

Inorganic waste in the form of aluminum bar scraps and broken glass generated by small-scale industries in Kendari City is generally underutilized and often ends up in landfills. This condition has the potential to increase environmental burdens because both materials are difficult to decompose naturally. This study aims to describe the utilization process of aluminum and glass waste through an upcycling technique to produce an interior product in the form of a flower pot rack measuring 75 × 25 × 25 cm. The method employed includes waste collection and sorting, product design, material cutting and assembly, and final product evaluation. The results indicate that aluminum and glass waste can be transformed into a functional, aesthetic, and corrosion-resistant product with an additional material cost of approximately IDR 15,000. The resulting product not only serves as a useful interior element but also provides added economic value compared to the original waste materials. The application of upcycling techniques contributes to reducing the volume of inorganic waste while creating opportunities for the development of creative businesses based on recycled materials within the local MSME sector. Therefore, converting aluminum and glass waste into flower pot racks can serve as an alternative solution for sustainable and economically valuable waste management.