‘The trash does not stop’: life among the garbage mountains of Jakarta, the world’s biggest city

The waste crisis in Jakarta, Indonesia, is reaching alarming levels, with Bantar Gebang, the city’s largest landfill, continuously swelling as trucks dump more trash daily. This vast dump, which spans over 100 hectares, not only poses environmental and health hazards but also supports the livelihoods of thousands of waste pickers who sift through the mountains of garbage. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions, as the sheer volume of waste threatens both urban infrastructure and the well-being of those who depend on it for survival.