Hyderabad, October 2017: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, Telangana, has set a national precedent by becoming the first airport in India to install waste recycling machines, launched as part of a pilot project under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), the initiative features state-of-the-art machines capable of crushing and recycling plastic PET bottles, aluminium/steel cans, and plastic bags into reusable raw materials. The initiative reflects RGIA’s commitment to sustainable airport operations and environmental responsibility.
The Swachh Bharat Recycling Machines, developed by Mumbai-based Wild West Media, are user-friendly and offer a dual incentive: passengers can either donate the items or receive discount coupons in return for depositing their empty plastic products. The recycled materials are used to create upcycled products like bags, wallets, and denim.
In another eco-friendly first, RGIA also houses the country’s first airport-operated composting plant, which treats food waste generated on-site and converts it into compost, further minimizing the airport’s environmental footprint.
These initiatives have positioned RGIA as a model for green airport operations, setting new benchmarks in waste management, passenger engagement, and sustainability in India’s aviation sector.
