Plastic Waste Management Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Brajesh Dubey
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 2763 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Civil Engineering, Energy, Climate and Sustainability, Environment, Polymers and Colloidal Materials |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 29 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Complex Challenge of Plastic Waste: An Expert-Led Course from IIT Kharagpur
Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, human health, and economies on a global scale. Addressing this multifaceted problem requires deep technical knowledge, an understanding of policy frameworks, and innovative management strategies. A new, comprehensive 8-week postgraduate course, led by a renowned expert from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, is now available to equip professionals and students with the critical skills needed to tackle this issue.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Brajesh Kumar Dubey
This course is instructed by Prof. Brajesh Kumar Dubey, an Associate Professor in the Division of Environmental Engineering and Management at IIT Kharagpur. With a stellar academic background including a B.Tech (Hons) in Civil Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida, USA, Prof. Dubey brings over 17 years of extensive experience.
His expertise spans Integrated Solid and Hazardous Waste Management, Sustainable Engineering, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). He has taught at prestigious universities across the USA, Canada, New Zealand, China, and India, and has authored more than 200 publications. As a consultant for UN agencies and the World Bank, Prof. Dubey combines rigorous academic knowledge with real-world, global practical insights.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This intensive 8-week program is designed for postgraduate students and professionals. It delves into the entire lifecycle of plastic waste, from generation to innovative management and recovery solutions.
Detailed Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Plastics – composition, types, uses, and global production statistics. |
| Week 2 | Plastic Waste – sources, production data, and analysis of the problem in global and Indian contexts. |
| Week 3 | Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 (India) and a comparative study of global regulations. |
| Week 4 | Global plastic bans, with a focus on the implications of China's Sword Policy on worldwide waste management. |
| Week 5 | Impact assessment: effects on marine life, terrestrial wildlife, human health, and the broader environment. |
| Week 6 | Management practices: deep dive into using plastic waste in road construction, including case studies from India and abroad, and associated challenges. |
| Week 7 | Exploring greener alternatives and possible substitute materials for conventional plastics. |
| Week 8 | The future pathway: Plastics resource recovery and the principles of a Circular Economy. |
Who Should Enroll?
- Intended Audience: This course is ideal for students in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Environmental Science programs at the B.Tech, Masters, or Doctoral levels. It is also highly relevant for professionals in the waste management, sustainability, and environmental consulting sectors.
- Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Environmental Science, Differential Equations, and Chemistry is recommended to fully grasp the technical content.
- Industry Support: The curriculum is recognized and supported by leading industry players including AECOM, Ramky, Environmental Resource Management (ERM), SENES/ARCADIS, various waste management companies, and government agencies, ensuring its practical relevance.
Why This Course is Essential
The course moves beyond just defining the problem. It provides a holistic toolkit for solutions:
- Policy & Compliance: Gain expertise in key regulations like India's Plastic Waste Management Rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- Technological Solutions: Learn about state-of-the-art management technologies and innovative applications like plastic roads.
- Risk Mitigation: Understand the environmental and health risks to develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Sustainable Frameworks: Explore the circular economy model as the ultimate goal for managing plastic resources.
Under the guidance of Prof. Dubey, participants will receive learning materials collated from the latest journal articles and technical reports, providing access to cutting-edge research and global best practices.
If you are looking to build a specialized career in environmental sustainability, waste management, or policy development, this course offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from a global expert and become part of the solution to the plastic waste challenge.
Enroll Now →