Rinjani Zero Waste
Rinjani Zero Waste: Protecting Indonesia’s Iconic Volcano and Its Environment
Rinjani Zero Waste aims to reduce pollution and protect local communities. It ensures future generations can enjoy the volcano’s beauty. Green Rinjani supports this by teaching eco-friendly practices in our trekking programs.
Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Indonesia, is a top trekking spot. It offers stunning views, rich wildlife, and cultural importance. But, the growing number of visitors harms the environment, especially with waste management.
Clean-Up is Not a Long-Term Solution for Waste Management at Rinjani.
Is clean-up enough for Rinjani’s waste problem? We say no. Despite our efforts, waste keeps coming back. In 2021, we cleaned up 1,6 tons of waste with influencer Benjamin Ortega. During this event, we successfully removed 1,6 tons of waste from the Rinjani campsite.
However, this is just one part of the problem. At Green Rinjani, we also require all porters and guides on our trips to bring down more waste than they carry up, with the goal of making Rinjani a cleaner, waste-free mountain.
But, after cleaning, trash returns. This shows clean-up isn’t a lasting fix. We need a better solution for waste management.
How Can You Trek Sustainably?
Packing for a sustainable trek requires careful thought and preparation. Trekking with lightweight gear, high-energy food, and plenty of water can significantly increase disposable plastic use, often seen as “convenient” and cheaper than more responsible alternatives.
This problem is widespread in Indonesia, particularly on Mount Rinjani, where small plastic wrappers, candy packaging, energy bars, and sugary drink bottles are scattered along the trails.
However, we understand that adopting more eco-friendly practices can be challenging and may incur additional costs. That’s why, in 2025, we are committed helping the RINJANI NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY to promoting zero-waste trekking on Mount Rinjani as part of our ongoing environmental efforts.
How Can You Trek Sustainably?
For a sustainable trek, think carefully about what you pack. Use lightweight gear, high-energy food, and lots of water. This can lead to more plastic use, seen as cheaper than eco-friendly options.
Mount Rinjani faces a big problem with plastic waste. Small plastic wrappers, candy packaging, and drink bottles litter the trails. But, we’re working to make trekking zero-waste by 2025.
Here are tips for sustainable trekking on Mount Rinjani:
1. Bring Reusable Water Bottles
- Tip: Always carry a reusable water bottle to avoid plastic bottles. Porters and guides usually provide an extra.
- Why It Matters: Plastic waste is a big problem. Single-use plastic bottles are common in tourist areas.
2. Use Biodegradable Soap
- Tip: Wash up with biodegradable soap and toothpaste. Regular soaps can harm the mountain’s ecosystem.
- Why It Matters: Your hygiene products shouldn’t damage local water systems.
3. Pack Reusable Food Containers
- Tip: Use reusable containers for your food instead of single-use packaging. Ask for no plastic bags and bring your own.
- Why It Matters: This reduces plastic waste and helps the environment.
4. Avoid Disposable Cutlery
- Tip: Bring reusable utensils or a spork instead of plastic cutlery.
- Why It Matters: Disposable plastic cutlery harms the environment and is often discarded.
5. Proper Trash Disposal
- Tip: Always take your trash with you. Collect waste in ziplocks or trash bags and dispose of it responsibly.
- Why It Matters: Leaving trash behind harms nature and wildlife. Trekking areas often lack proper waste disposal.
6. Buy Local and Reduce Packaging
- Tip: Support local vendors by buying fresh, unpackaged food and products. Local markets are excellent places to find sustainable options.
- Why It Matters: Supporting local businesses helps reduce carbon footprints and packaging waste and encourages sustainable practices within the local economy.
7. Bring a Reusable Trash Bag
- Tip: Carry a reusable trash bag to collect any waste you encounter on the trail—not just your own.
- Why It Matters: It helps you stay mindful of your waste and ensures that you contribute to keeping the environment clean for others.
8. Use Eco-Friendly Toiletries
- Tip: Opt for sustainable, plastic-free toiletries like shampoo bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and compostable toilet paper.
- Why It Matters: Traditional toiletries often come in plastic packaging, which is harmful to nature and difficult to dispose of in remote areas.
9. Leave No Trace
- Follow the Leave No Trace principles by respecting nature, staying on designated paths, and avoiding disturbing wildlife.
- Why It Matters: Preserving the natural landscape for future generations is key to sustainable travel.
10. Educate Yourself and Others
- Tip: Learn about local customs, environmental issues, and sustainable travel practices. Share these tips with fellow hikers to encourage a zero-waste mindset.
- Why It Matters: Raising awareness is essential for promoting a culture of sustainability and encouraging others to reduce their environmental impact
How to Pack Camping Equipment and Cooking tools With zero Waste Tips?
How To Pack Foods and Drink?

The Zero Waste Philosophy
The core idea behind “Zero Waste” is to minimize waste generation by reducing, reusing, and recycling as much as possible. This philosophy can be applied to both everyday life and specific activities like trekking. The Rinjani Zero Waste initiative aims to promote environmentally friendly practices that minimize human impact on the mountain’s fragile ecosystem.
Key principles of Zero Waste include:
- Reduce Consumption: By packing only what is needed and avoiding disposable items such as plastic bottles and packaging, trekkers can minimize their environmental footprint.
- Reuse and Repurpose: Using refillable water bottles, reusable food containers, and eco-friendly gear can significantly reduce waste. Materials that are no longer useful should be repurposed or carried back down the mountain for proper disposal.
- Recycle: Where possible, waste should be sorted for recycling, especially plastics, metals, and papers, ensuring that non-biodegradable materials are properly processed.
- Compost: Organic waste, such as food scraps, can be composted rather than left to rot in the natural environment, which often takes years to decompose.
How Rinjani Zero Waste Works
The movement is about individual responsibility and involves coordinated efforts from various stakeholders. Here’s how the Rinjani Zero Waste initiative works in practice:
- Collaboration with Local Authorities: The Indonesian government and the Rinjani National Park Authority have made efforts to establish waste management systems in popular trekking zones. This includes waste segregation bins and regular clean-up drives.
- Education and Awareness: Tour operators, trekking guides, and local communities are key players in spreading awareness about the importance of reducing waste. Many trekking companies now offer eco-friendly tours that focus on sustainability and waste reduction. Educational programs for tourists emphasize responsible behavior on the mountain.
Waste-Free Trekking Packages:
Several eco-conscious tour operators have begun offering waste-free trekking packages. These packages include sustainable equipment, reusable food containers, and guidelines for minimizing waste during the hike. They often provide clean water refill stations, encouraging trekkers to avoid single-use plastic bottles.
- Volunteer and Clean-Up Initiatives: Organizations such as the Rinjani Trekker Association, local environmental groups, and volunteer organizations regularly conduct clean-up activities at key trekking points. Volunteers collect trash left behind by visitors and work to restore trails and campsites to their natural state.
- Incentives for Responsible Tourists: To encourage trekkers to follow Zero Waste rules, some groups offer rewards. These rewards go to those who help reduce waste, like picking up trash or sharing educational materials.
Benefits of Rinjani Zero Waste
Zero Waste on Mount Rinjani has many advantages for the environment, local people, and tourism:
- Preserving Biodiversity: Less pollution means a healthier ecosystem. This protects the homes of many unique species that live there.
- Supporting Local Communities: A cleaner environment helps local communities live better. Eco-tourism also creates jobs for guides, porters, and businesses, helping them protect the area.
- Sustainable Tourism: Zero Waste practices keep Rinjani a great place for future trekkers. It balances enjoying nature with keeping it safe for the future.
- Raising Awareness: Rinjani Zero Waste is a model for other places. It shows the importance of taking care of the environment and traveling responsibly.