INDIA. GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) has become the first Indian airport to install recycling machines.
The pilot project, in association with agency Wild West Media, is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ cleanliness campaign. The project is being steered under the umbrella of the airport’s #PassengerisPrime programme and aims to inspire people to contribute towards environmental sustenance.
The two recycling machines have been placed at strategic locations in the airport and crush plastic PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, steel/aluminium cans and plastic bags. Passengers have the option to either make a donation or claim a discount coupon in return for putting their empty plastic water bottles, bags and metal cans into the crushing machine.
These refrigerator-sized machines on wheels are able to crush a large number of plastic PET bottles or steel/aluminium cans per day. People can horizontally insert their object(s) into the designated chute, where, the machine senses the object and crushes it instantly. The crushed waste material is then collected for the next stage of recycling. Every machine is manned by a trained professional to assist people in using the machine.
GHIAL CEO Mr. SGK Kishore said: “In line with the honourable Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, we are happy to offer an effective recycling opportunity to the passengers and airport community by installing innovative plastic bottles, bag, metal can crushing machines at Hyderabad Airport.
“We are optimistic that people will feel motivated to use the machines and display their commitment towards the environment. Managing waste responsibly can help us contribute towards building a cleaner and safer India. Driven under our #PassengerisPrime programme, this initiative at Hyderabad Airport is one effective way towards achieving our Prime Minister’s vision.”
Kishore added: “Hyderabad Airport has had a robust waste management programme since its inception in 2008. We are also the first airport to have our own composting plant, which processes the food waste generated at the airport. With the addition of recycling machines at the airport, we will support this massive movement that seeks to create a clean India.”
