How can airports improve their waste management practices?

Conducting regular waste audits allows airports to identify the types and quantities of waste generated. By analyzing this data, airports can pinpoint areas where waste reduction efforts are most needed, leading to more targeted and effective waste management strategies.

From my experience working for California Waste Recovery Systems and at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), conducting audits should be scheduled ahead of time on a 7 day period or spread out that causes the least distress on the airport, but enough data points to be collected for an analytical sheet. It is important to remember audits can result in more overtime pay and utilize more man power hence must be scheduled with every element taken into account. Finally, having higher management involved with the audit and physically engaged with the operation ensures the highest amount cooperation with staff and supervisors. The benefits of conducting an audit can pinpoint point which area is not producing the amount of growth/profit.

Airports can improve waste management through the following aspects 1. Assessment: Evaluate current practices. 2. Segregation: Separate waste streams effectively. 3.Quantification: Measure and analyze waste amounts. 4. Analysis: Identify areas for improvement. 5. Goal Setting: Establish waste management targets. 6. Implementation: Execute targeted solutions. 7. Monitoring: Regularly review and adjust strategies.

Implementing waste reduction measures, such as promoting reusable items, minimizing single-use plastics, and encouraging passengers and staff to adopt sustainable practices, can significantly decrease the overall waste generated at airports. This not only aligns with environmental goals but also contributes to cost savings through decreased waste disposal expenses.

It is very important to identify how we can minimize the wastage through any and every possible way, while there are many new technologies and cultures coming up which can be utilized in order to improve the same, one of the best ways which is effective is segregation of waste.

Facilitating waste diversion involves implementing recycling programs and encouraging the separation of waste at its source. Airports can collaborate with local recycling facilities and businesses to establish effective diversion channels for recyclables, ensuring that a significant portion of waste is diverted from landfills and repurposed or recycled.

Improving waste disposal involves responsible handling of non-recyclable waste. Airports can explore environmentally friendly disposal methods, such as waste-to-energy technologies, and adhere to strict waste disposal regulations. Additionally, proper waste disposal infrastructure and education for airport staff and visitors are crucial to ensuring compliance with waste management best practices.

Airports can enhance waste management by reducing waste generation, implementing recycling programs, managing food waste, sourcing sustainable products, engaging passengers, fostering partnerships, and continuously improving processes. These strategies promote environmental sustainability and reduce landfill waste.