IndiGoReach, IndiGo’s CSR initiative, has partnered with the Airports Authority of India and AAS Foundation, Indore, to launch the Zero Waste Airport Project. Using the 4R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover), the project aims to minimize the environmental impact of airport operations and set a new standard for sustainable waste management in aviation. Focused on behavioral change, training and stakeholder engagement, the initiative seeks to set a new standard for sustainable waste management in the aviation industry.

The Material Recovery Facility (MRF) which is a part of the project was inaugurated by Shri Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India, Shri Shankar Lalwani, MP Indore and Chairman Indore Airport, Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya – Minister MP Urban Development, Shri Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor IMC Indore, Vipin Kumar, Chairman – India Airport Authority and other senior officials and political leaders.

The event featured a guided tour of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Attendees also witnessed firsthand innovative waste segregation and recycling processes implemented at the airport.

Previously reliant on traditional waste disposal methods, Indore Airport is now poised to embrace ‘Zero Waste’ practices through the 4R approach – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover. The new waste processing plant will process the airport’s daily waste of 750 kgs on-site, significantly reducing landfill dependency.

The Zero Waste Project features a cutting-edge Wet Waste Processing Unit that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This compost will be utilised to enhance the airport’s landscaping. Additionally, a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) will meticulously sort dry waste into 10 distinct categories for recycling. To foster a culture of sustainability, the project includes comprehensive waste segregation practices and public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible waste disposal among passengers and staff. Notably, the project is designed as a self-sustaining model. Income generated from compost and recycled materials will be utilised to fund the salaries of dedicated green workers from the third year onwards, ensuring the project’s long-term viability.

By joining forces, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (IndiGo) and Airports Authority of India have pioneered a public-private partnership that delivers a tangible and sustainable benefit to the community.