With upcoming plant, Bengaluru airport targets sending zero waste to landfills

Bengaluru: Between 90% and 95% of the 25-30 tonnes of waste generated at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) is recycled, thanks to rigorous segregation practices and passenger and staff engagement."Currently, less than 5% of the airport's total waste ends up in landfills — a number we are determined to further reduce," said Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), the operator of KIA. BIAL's long-term goal is sending zero waste to landfills. "A new solid waste management plant, expected to be operational by Dec 2024, is set to play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Designed to process up to 50 tonnes of waste a day using biomethanation technology, this facility will allow the airport to handle all of its organic waste in-house, significantly enhancing its waste processing capabilities."Organic waste, which accounts for 55-60% of the total waste, is sent to govt-authorised vendors for recycling, he said.The airport generates 2.5 to 3 tonnes of plastic waste daily. "Plastic waste has been used to replace 6% of bitumen in the construction of 70km of single-lane roads within the airport premises. The elimination of single-use plastics from food and beverage outlets and the use of biodegradable alternatives further underscore BIAL's commitment to environmental sustainability," Marar told TOI.The airport runs awareness campaigns, places colour-coded bins throughout terminals, and conducts regular training sessions to promote proper waste segregation.