IndiGoReach, IndiGo’s CSR initiative, has partnered with the Airports Authority of India and AAS Foundation, Indore, to launch the Zero Waste Airport Project. The project aims to minimise the environmental impact of airport operations by implementing the 4R strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover) to establish a new standard for sustainable waste management in aviation. This initiative, which focuses on behavioural change, training, and stakeholder engagement, aims to establish a new standard for sustainable waste management within the aviation industry.

The Material Recovery Facility (MRF), which is 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 Material Recovery Facility (MRF) tour. Attendees also witnessed firsthand the 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. The airport team will utilize this compost to enhance the landscaping. Additionally, a state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility (MRF) will meticulously sort dry waste into 10 distinct categories for recycling. The project aims to foster a culture of sustainability by implementing comprehensive waste segregation practices and public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible waste disposal among passengers and staff. The project creators designed it to be a self-sustaining model. Starting in the third year, we will use the income generated from compost and recycled materials to fund the salaries of dedicated green workers, ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.

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