Whether you’re a large institution or a small community, a zero-waste campus is achievable. With the right intention and will, a sustainable transformation is within reach.
A Zero Waste Campus, following the principles of Solid Waste Management rules 2016, ensures that all single-use items are ZERO meaning completely banned. It does not mean that waste is not generated or plastic free campus.
The “W” in the Waste symbolizes for the WET-REJECT-DRY.
Doodle by Divya
By dropping the waste in the right bin, waste recovery is optimized. Thereafter Dry waste can be categorized into 34 types, from high-value items like A4 paper, newspapers, and cardboard, to lower-quality materials like multilayer plastic (MLPs), thermocol, glass pieces, bed linens, and paper scraps.
While high-quality waste yields more revenue, low-quality waste also generates considerable value when managed with the right practices and processes are implemented. Instituitons who have implementing this model not only create revenue streams but have also even achieved profitability.
Our Zero Waste Journey: A Ripple of Transformation
It all began when Vedan organised a volunteering activity to paint the walls of Madiwala Market. Among the volunteers was a lecturer from Krupanidhi College, who, moved by the experience, recommended Waste Management Initiative to the Chairman and CEO OF Cambridge Institute of Technology (CIT). Their passion for sustainable practices and supporters of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) inspired to make a difference.
The CIT leadership reached out to Vedan, seeking support to eliminate the blackspots around the college surroundings. This moment of resolve sparked a greater ambition: to make their own campus a model of zero waste.
It was then, the college was made to realize the importance of “Practice what we Preach” and decided to first tackle waste management challenges within the college. This embarked the journey of Zero Waste Campus in CIT under the guidance of Vedan and also facilitated a proof of concept by studying the college and established best waste management practices to be implemented in the campus.
The college bagged Special Award by the First CSR Film Festival, “Best Waste Management” award at CII Conference of Indian Industries 2023 and received an Appreciation Letter by the Town Municipal Council (TMC), Moodbidire. Chairman of the College, Mr. DK Mohan was awarded the Greenprenuer – Sustainability Trend Setter Award by Vyapaar Jagat.
The impact of CIT’s commitment rippled outward, catching the attention of the TMC in Moodbidire. Inspired by the college’s transformation, TMC committed to a zero-waste policy within its own office. Believing in the power of example, they began their own journey to demonstrate that sustainable change begins within. before extending the campaign to the public. TMC Office soon turned into a Zero Waste Office which bagged recognition by the DMA Office and Awarded for Best Practices 2021-2022, Zero Waste Office.
Vedan facilitated an event where TMC, Moodbidire invited CEO of CIT College who addressed and inspired heads of government and private educational institutions.
Awareness sessions and workshops were conducted and as a ripple effect 8 institutions turned into zero waste campuses. The momentum continued to grow and Swachha Belaku, a 7R Project, recognized CIT’s model as a simple yet effective approach to waste reduction. With this endorsement, the Zero Waste Campus concept was presented to the Joint Commissioner of the BBMP in Yelahanka Zone, gaining swift approval and support.
This collaboration with BBMP has since launched a wave of sustainable change, with campuses across the Yelahanka zone committing to a zero-waste future.
The stark reality of life. Despite sustained efforts, the initiative could not be taken forward due to lack of institutional support from the college management. This experience reinforced a critical learning: meaningful Zero Waste implementation requires active ownership and commitment from the institution to translate effort into outcomes.
The first school to receive the Zero Waste Logo from the MLA for their efforts in becoming and sustaining as a Zero Waste Campus
Our most recent Zero Waste Campus, where waste management is taught as a subject matter rather than just a secondary activity.
This school in Electronic City has been the fastest transformation! Their enthusiasm for a better environment, motivates us all to do better!
A one-of-its-kind community! The town of Moodubidire have transformed themselves in terms of better waste management. Starting with the TMC office itself, to set an example of what can be done, before going to their constituents, they have paved the way for towns and cities to follow through.
At the Commissioner of Police Office, Vedan demonstrated that Zero Waste is possible even in high-security, high-footfall government institutions. Through staff engagement, system setting, and practical waste dropping protocols, the initiative showed how disciplined institutions can lead by example and normalize sustainable practices within official workspaces.
At Vedan, we don’t just manage problems — we redesign systems, empower communities, and create models that continue long after we leave. Your support helps scale solutions that are practical, measurable, and replicable.
