Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) has become the first airport in India to install recycling machines as part of a pilot project. The machinery can crush PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, steel and aluminum cans, and plastic bags in an environmentally friendly operation.
Agency Wild West Media provided the two machines, which GHIAL has placed in strategic locations within the airport. The project is active under the hub’s #PassengerisPrime program, which aims to inspire people to contribute toward environmental sustenance.
Passengers will get an option to either make a donation or claim a discount coupon in return for submitting their empty plastic water bottles, bags or metal cans into the crushing machine.
The intelligent, refrigerator-sized machines on wheels are able to crush a large number of plastic PET bottles or steel and aluminum cans in a day. There are three separate inlets for receiving PET bottles, cans and plastic bags. People can horizontally insert the PET bottle or cans into the designated chute, where the machine senses the object and crushes it instantly. These crushed waste materials are then collected for the next level of recycling and reuse. Every machine is manned by a trained professional to assist people in its use.
SGK Kishore, CEO, GHIAL, said, “In line with the honorable prime minister’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan [campaign], we are happy to offer effective recycling opportunity to the passengers and airport community by installing innovative plastic bottles, bag and metal can crushing machines at Hyderabad Airport.
“We are optimistic that people would feel motivated to use the machines and display their commitment toward the environment. Managing waste responsibly can help us contribute toward building a cleaner and safer India. Driven under our #PassengerisPrime program, this initiative at Hyderabad airport is one effective way toward achieving our prime minister’s vision.
“Hyderabad Airport has a robust waste management program 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 cleaner India.”