Environmental Performance

Recycling and Waste Management

The issue of waste management has assumed critical importance for the country today given the ever-increasing population, higher consumption levels and inadequate infrastructure

Often considered to be only an urban phenomenon, waste management seriously threatens the quality of life throughout the country.

Across the country, heaps of unattended waste foraged by cattle and rag-pickers alike, have become an integral part of today’s life, both in urban as well as in rural areas. This is largely responsible for a number of serious public health concerns, in addition to crucial issues like land and groundwater contamination.

In alignment with ITC’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact and to create a positive environmental footprint, we have implemented the following measures in waste management to achieve a positive waste recycling footprint:

1. Resource Conservation

Reduce waste generation through constant monitoring of specific waste generation data at all ITC units.

2. Segregation at Source

All ITC Units are required to ensure that wastes are segregated at source in accordance with company-defined guidelines. This ensures maximum reuse/recycling of wastes. For example, it is ensured that paper waste is not contaminated with wet waste which would render it unrecoverable.

3. Towards 100% Recycling

Each category of waste is individually addressed and tracked to ensure reuse where possible, if not, recycling. This ensures that almost no waste from our businesses lands up in municipal or private landfills.

4. Creating a Positive Environmental Footprint

Increase in consumption of externally generated wastepaper as a source of fibre instead of virgin fibre. Apart from the direct environmental benefits of reduced consumption of power, water and chemicals, this also brings about the additional public benefit of encouraging better waste management.