Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society
Vol 5 No 1 (2026): Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society (May)

The Effectiveness of Digital Waste Management Application Gamification in Fostering Environmental Awareness and Operational System Sustainability

Rahayu Mardikaningsih (Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya)
Mila Hariani (Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya)
Reny Nuraini (Universitas Sunan Giri Surabaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 May 2026

Abstract

The rapid growth of urban waste volume demands innovative environmental governance based on information technology and active public participation. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of gamification mechanics in mobile waste management applications in transforming social behavior and ecological awareness, while formulating operational management strategies for waste processing to sustain public participation. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was applied through a combination of quantitative surveys among active application users and qualitative exploration via in-depth interviews and field observations. The findings reveal that interactive elements such as point accumulation, achievement badges, and communal leaderboards significantly increase household waste separation consistency by fostering intrinsic motivation and establishing new social norms. Conversely, the sustainability of citizen participation strongly depends on the reliability of physical collection systems, Global Positioning System-based fleet route optimization, recycling supply chain efficiency, and the stability of incentive financing schemes. This study concludes that integrating user-friendly digital game design with reliable field logistics is the primary key to achieving sustainable urban environmental governance driven by community involvement.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

inti

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society (e-ISSN: 2830-795X) is a peer-reviewed academic journal published triannually—in May, August, and November. The journal provides a platform for interdisciplinary scholarship that critically examines the interplay between scientific advancement, ...