We spend about 3-4 hours in an airport mostly before the time of our flight. In that time, we might have a sip or grab a bite, etc.

In busy airports, with thousands of passengers daily, imagine the amount of waste being created?

What happens to all of that?

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad has come up with an innovative solution for the same. 

They have become the first airport in the world to install recycling machines.

The two units, which are about 1.8 metres high, can crush bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate, popularly known as PET, steel/ aluminium cans and plastic bags. The crushed material is collected at a later stage for recycling and reuse. 

The authorities have even incentivised the use of the machines. A part of the #PassengerisPrime initiative and the Centre?s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, using the crushers entitles the passenger to either claim a discount coupon or make a donation for dispensing their bottles, bags or metal cans. 

Separate inlets are designated for PET bottles, cans and plastic bags. The waste material can be inserted into the appropriate inlet after which the machine senses the objectand crushes it. The crushed waste is then collected for recycling. 

Trained personnel have been posted at each machine to assist passengers. There are plans to install five more machines soon.

Well, making a difference and creating a change to the environment is nothing new to Hyderabad International Airport. 

Since its inception in 2008, the airport has a food waste compost system, which might be the only of its kind in the world. 

The management aims to be a role model and inspire others to make a difference in the society.

See.. How an innovative idea is being brought, opening a platform for regular passengers to contribute to the betterment of mother nature?

Truly inspirational and wonderful. :D

Regards,

George Zacharia 

Regional Ambassador to India 

Would love to know your opinion about my article and also share your ideas on how I (or We) can contribute to increasing awareness about making a difference in our society.

You can message me on www.facebook.com/georgezachariaofficial or email me on georgezacharia97@hotmail.com or tweet me on www.twitter.com/iamgeorgezach .

I am the founder of a youth environmental group called "Students For The Earth" working in India. We would love to take your idea forward and maybe open a Sfe. Chapter in your college or school. Visit us at www.mysfe.weebly.com or message us on www.facebook.com/studentsfortheearth or email us at studentsfortheearth@gmail.com .

Have taken references from:

1) http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/rgia-installs-waste-recycling-machines/article20629110.ece

2) https://www.moodiedavittreport.com/creating-a-cleaner-india-hyderabad-airport-launches-pilot-recycling-machine-project/

3) http://www.firstpost.com/india/hyderabads-rajiv-gandhi-international-airport-first-in-india-to-install-waste-recycling-machines-4221217.html