GNDU signs agreement for sustainable waste management

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has taken a significant step towards sustainable waste management by signing an agreement with the Trust of People for the collection and management of Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP) and Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) waste at its Solid Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) unit. The agreement underscores GNDU’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with the principles of a circular economy.

The agreement was signed by GNDU Registrar Prof KS Chahal and Arjun Ram, City Lead, Trust of People, in the presence of Prof Palwinder Singh, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Navdeep Singh Sodhi, Coordinator, University Industry Linkage Programme and Dr Manpreet Singh Bhatti, Professor, Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences. The agreement was recommended by SLRM Committee under the convernership of Prof Dalbir Singh Sogi.

The agreement establishes Trust of People as the service provider for the collection of Multi-Layered Plastic used in packaging, such as chip bags, shampoo sachets and RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel) waste from GNDU’s SLRM unit. The contract, effective for one year, stipulates fortnightly waste collection, ensuring proper segregation, secure storage and responsible transportation to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Centre at Naraingarh, Chheharta, Amritsar, for processing. The initiative ensures that non-recyclable plastics, such as chips packets, detergent packaging and contaminated plastic materials, are managed responsibly, preventing environmental harm through burning or open dumping.

Vice-chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh said that GNDU is setting a benchmark for responsible waste management in educational institutions and for building a circular economy—emphasising waste reduction, resource reuse and environmental stewardship.

Speaking about the MoU, Dr Karamjeet Singh stated, “The partnership with Trust of People reflects GNDU’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future. By implementing structured waste management practices, we aim to contribute to a circular economy, ensuring that waste is managed responsibly and aligns with global sustainability standards. The initiative will serve as a model for other institutions to follow.”