Khalsa college treats food waste at campus

In a bid to not only effectively manage around eight thousand kilogram of wet waste being generated from three of its canteens monthly, but to also inspire over eight thousand students, Guru Nanak Khalsa College at Matunga has begun treating its waste at the campus itself. The college is also mulling over minimising plastic use on campus.

"Given the fact that there are three canteens and over 8,000 students, the college generates a good quantum of wet waste so the first major step was to begin treating our waste indoors. With complete backing from our principal, Dr Kiran Mangaonkar, the project was rolled out," said Dr Sudheer Lingayat, convenor, the college's Green Audit Team.

Soon, with the help of Eco-Rox, an NGO involved in waste management, vermicomposting pits were set up on campus and three pits were designed to ensure that there was enough space for storing compost. "We have begun treating our waste using bacteria from November 24 and four of our staff members have been trained along with the canteen operators to ensure that the waste is properly collected and fed inside the pits," added Lingayat, and stated that even the staff and students will be asked to put their leftover food or food waste in the pit itself.

Meanwhile, members of the Green Audit Team said that the generated compost will be used for the gardens on campus.