&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Developing and Implementing an
Airport Recycling Program
-------
-------
INTRODUCTION 1
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHING A SUCCESSFUL RECYCLING PROGRAM ...2
Step 1: Obtain Commitment from Upper Management 2
Step 2: Organize a Green Team 4
Step 3: Identify Types and Sources of Waste 5
Step 4: Assess Current Waste Collection Contracts 8
Step 5: Develop a Plan 9
Step 6: Educate Staff and Customers 14
Step 7: Monitor and Refine the Plan 15
Step 8: Measure Performance 15
Step 9: Promote Successes 16
Step 10: Expand the Program 17
SECTION 2. ADDITIONAL WASTE STRATEGIES 18
SECTION 3. CASE STUDIES 20
APPENDIX A: WORKSHEETS FOR CHARACTERIZING YOUR WASTE ... 23
APPENDIX B: GLOSSARY 34
-------
-------
Introduction
Airports throughout the United States are "greening" their operations. They are installing solar
panels and energy efficient light fixtures, using low-emission vehicles in their fleets and
changing their waste management programs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
designed this guide to help airport managers who want to create a more environmentally-friendly
waste operation. The EPA hierarchy of waste management prioritizes source reduction, then
reuse, recycling and finally disposal in landfills. However, this guide focuses on recycling as a
positive first step for airports to take as they conquer their waste issues.
Section 1 of this guide focuses on how to establish an airport recycling program. Using examples
from the experiences of airports around the country, along with the experience of EPA, this
document presents ten steps for designing and implementing a successful airport recycling
program. Every airport is unique and there is more than one way to set-up and run a successful
recycling program; however, there are general practices that are effective in most situations.
Section 2 provides examples of activities that promote source reduction, and the importance of
purchasing environmentally friendly products. Examples of innovative airport waste reduction
programs are included in Section 3.
Ten Steps to Establishing an Airport Recycling Program
1. Obtain commitment from upper management
2. Organize a green team
3. Identify types and sources of waste
4. Assess current waste collection contracts
5. Develop a plan
6. Educate staff and customers
7. Monitor and refine the plan
8. Measure performance
9. Promote successes
10. Expand the program
Appendix A is a set of worksheets and instructions for identifying and measuring waste.
Appendix B is a glossary of waste management terms.
-------
Section 1. Establishing a Successful Recycling Program
Step 1: Obtain Commitment from Upper Management
Management support is crucial to develop and sustain an airport recycling program. Before you
assemble a team, management must authorize the use of the team's time and possible changes in
job responsibilities and priorities. In addition, the initial stages of a program will require
financial investments to purchase the necessary equipment and to train staff.
It is important to inform management that there are environmental and potential economic
benefits in implementing an airport recycling program. Step 9, Promote Your Successes,
describes tools to quantify the potential greenhouse gas benefits of recycling. For example,
recycling 10 tons of corrugated cardboard saves 35 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
(MTCO2E), which is equivalent to the emissions from the consumption of 3,973 gallons of
gasoline. Comparisons such as these can help make the link between waste management and
climate protection, an increasingly important issue in the transportation sector.
In addition, case studies from other airports demonstrate that programs can work in a variety of
airports, regardless of size or location. Section 3 of this guide provides success stories from
several different airports, with more examples available at the Web site for EPA's "Recycle on
the Go" initiative (http://www.epa.gov/recycleonthego).
Request that management approve the time for several employees from different areas of the
airport to participate on a "green team." Inform management that as the program progresses the
green team will continue to seek their consultation. Step 2 includes details on assembling a
green team and delegating responsibilities.
Management should be informed of any recycling regulations that are relevant. Many local
governments have ordinances requiring recycling in all facilities located within their jurisdiction.
Your airport might even be required by law to have a recycling system in place. In 2006, the
Natural Resources Defense Council determined that "62 of 67 large and medium airports in the
United States are located in states or cities with some kind of recycling target, goal or mandate."
Contact your local and state environmental agencies to check waste and recycling regulations.
Some states have landfill bans on green waste, including grass clippings, leaves and branches.
Make sure you are able to identify which materials are covered by the regulations and if there are
targets for the amount of waste reduction (e.g., recycle 30 percent of all waste, recycle 20 percent
of paper waste).
-------
Special Considerations for Airports
Airport Security
The first priority for airports is to ensure that all program elements are consistent
with security requirements. Including a recycling element in your waste
management plan may require additional personnel in secure areas of the airport and
on the airfield. Bins may need to be additionally secured and inspected. Bomb-
proof receptacles may be required outside secure areas.
Facility Space Constraints
Airports have unique space considerations. Gates areas, tenant space, and
concessionaires often do not have large amounts of additional space for bins, and
staging areas are limited. The airfield generally has space constraints as well,
leaving little area for additional bins. On the airfield, airports need to be aware of
concerns recycling bins may raise such as foreign object debris (FOD), animal
attractants, and stormwater contamination. However, a successful recycling
program will reduce the amount of trash generated and the number of containers to
store trash. This space can be used for recyclable materials.
Time
When airlines become involved with your recycling program, time is a primary
concern. Airline staff or cleaning service providers have limited time to clean an
aircraft before it is scheduled for another departure. A program with easily
accessible collection receptacles (dumpsters, compactors, etc) and clear instructions
make it easier for airlines to actively participate in recycling.
Working with Tenants
Establishing and maintaining consistent recycling practices and educating airport
tenants (food/beverage, concessions, airlines and others) are key components of an
airport's recycling program. Educational material that is readily available for easy
distribution to all new employees allows tenants to stay involved.
-------
Step 2: Organize a Green Team
Once your program is approved, assemble a green team including individuals from every sector
of the airport: terminals, offices, hangars, vendors, airlines, and flight kitchens. The green team
plans and implements the recycling program in the initial phase, then maintains and monitors the
program once it is in place. If there is a recycling program in your community, consider
involving the local solid waste office. They are valuable team members with knowledge
regarding local haulers and material markets. The green team may include individuals from
inside and outside the airport. Portland International Airport and the Port of Portland work with
faculty and graduate research assistants from Portland State University's Community
Environmental Services. Philadelphia International Airport brought together a team of
environmental professionals, local government staff, state officials, recycling staff from other
airports, as well as their own staff from various departments, to discuss and develop the best
options for implementing a recycling program at their airport. Once assembled, the green team
is responsible for:
• working with airport management;
• gathering information needed to design and implement the program;
• encouraging the participation of other staff;
• training and educating tenants and concessionaires; and,
• monitoring the program.
Selecting a team leader or recycling coordinator
Appointing a recycling coordinator to oversee your program is beneficial. Too often recycling
responsibilities divided among several individuals causes a disjointed program with low
recycling rates. A recycling coordinator is responsible for the entire program, including
overseeing implementation and monitoring operations. The recycling coordinator should
understand the current waste management program. While the recycling coordinator does not
need to work full time on recycling, it should be a top priority.
Creating a recycling coordinator position, either through contracting with a recycling specialist
or creating a staff position, will enable your airport to organize, execute and evaluate your
recycling program. Team members that may make a good recycling coordinator include the
airport environmental specialist, an operations manager, or a construction and maintenance
service manager. Many airports employ help from an outside group or expert to educate them
about details of a recycling program. A recycling expert can help save time by researching basic
needs for the program and possible markets for materials.
-------
Step 3: Identify Types and Sources of Waste
Before you develop a recycling plan, understand what waste is generated and collected at your
airport by performing a waste assessment. A waste assessment provides qualitative and
quantitative data. It also provides a baseline to measure progress in the future.
A waste assessment will help you answer the following questions:
• What areas of the airport generate waste?
• What recyclable material is generated?
• What type of waste is generated in each area of the airport?
• How much waste is generated by each area of the airport (airlines, airport offices,
customers, concessions, etc)?
• What are the waste-related costs for trash and recycling containers, hauling, disposal
recycling and labor (in equipment dollars and worker time)?
There are three primary approaches to conducting a waste assessment:
• Records Examination
• Facility Walk-Through
• Waste Sort
The type of assessment you choose is based on the size of your airport, the existing knowledge of
your waste stream, the goals of the program, and the resources available. Worksheets outlining
the steps included in all three waste assessments are found in Appendix A.
Records Examination
A records examination provides information on the quantity of waste generated, as well as costs,
for labor, equipment and services. If you don't have a centralized waste management system, try
to compile all the waste data from the different haulers that service your airport. The records that
may be useful include:
• purchasing, inventory, maintenance, and operating logs;
• supply and equipment invoices; and,
• waste hauling and disposal records and contracts.
Facility Walk-Through
A facility walk-through provides qualitative waste information through observation of staff and
customers. The primary benefit of a facility walk-through is the first-hand observation of waste
handling practices. The types and amounts of waste generated at the facility can be observed at
this time. Track how waste moves through the airport. Assess existing space and equipment
available for storage of waste, processing of recyclables, and other collection tasks. Also, talk to
staff about their waste generation and disposal habits. The custodial staff is an excellent source
of information in a facility walk-through.
-------
Waste Sort
The most comprehensive and resource intensive waste assessment is a waste sort. A waste sort
looks at the contents of waste receptacles throughout the airport to evaluate what and where
material is disposed.
Waste sort for Portland International Airport.
Photo provided by: Portland International Airport
Any airport recycling program, from a new program to a well established program, benefits from
understanding how much waste is generated and recovered by their facility. Due to fluctuations
in passenger travel and the corresponding fluctuation in waste generated, it is useful to normalize
waste assessment data to the passenger level. For example, some airports compare the pounds of
waste generated per passenger to the pounds of waste recovered per passenger. Airports often
define "recovered" as material recycled instead of placed in trash cans. This allows program
staff to establish more accurate program goals and measure impacts.
-------
Exhibit 1
Waste Assessment Approaches
Strengths
Limitations
Records Examination
• Provides weights and volumes of waste
generated
• Tracks major potential waste from the point
of origin
• Identifies the expensive or valuable
components of an organization's waste
• Documents financial benefits of reuse and
recycling including total revenues and
avoided disposal costs
• Requires the least time and effort
• Establishes baseline for metrics
Lack of quantitative data for specific
waste components
Does not provide qualitative data on how
or why wastes are generated
Substantial effort necessary to collect and
analyze data
Facility Walk-Through
• Requires less time and effort than waste sorts
• Allows first-hand examination of facility
operations
• Provides qualitative information about major
waste components and waste-generating
processes
• Reveals waste reduction activities
• Develops appreciation of logistics and
obstacles tenants encounter in their efforts to
recycle
Limited identification of wastes generated
Multiple attempts may be necessary for
comprehensive evaluation
Relies on estimates of waste generation
Waste Sort
Provides quantitative data on total waste
generation and specific waste components
Allows problem solving and design of
recycling program to be site specific
Requires more time and effort than other
approaches
Multiple attempts may be necessary for
comprehensive evaluation
Does not provide qualitative data on how
or why wastes are generated
Source: USEPA, Business Guide for Reducing Solid Waste, 1993.
-------
Step 4: Assess Current Waste Collection Contracts
Recycling programs require someone to transport the waste from the airport (a hauler) and a
market to accept the material (a recycler). One company may provide both services or separate
contracts may be needed for these services.
There are two systems of waste hauling contracts: decentralized and centralized. An airport with
individual contracts for each tenant is a decentralized system. An airport that handles all waste
together is a centralized system. Many airports decide to use a centralized waste management
system to simplify collection. A centralized system requires only one set of bins and central
collection areas for all tenants. A centralized system may be useful if tenants do not individually
generate sufficient recyclable material to support collection.
You will want to assess the services available in your area. Contact your current waste hauler to
determine if they have the ability to collect recyclables. Your current hauler may be able to
change the terms of your contract to reflect reductions in waste collection due to recycling.
EPA's Waste Wise program has compiled a
list of questions to ask a potential recycler:
What types of recyclables will the
company accept and how must
they be sorted/prepared (single-
stream, commingled)?
What contract terms will the buyer
require?
Who provides the transportation?
What is the schedule of collection?
What are the maximum allowable
contaminant levels and what is the
procedure for dealing with rejected
loads?
Where will the waste be weighed?
Who will provide containers for
the recyclables?
Can "escape clauses" be included
in the contract?
What revenues should recycling
generate?
What tracking statistics (tonnage,
costs, rebates, etc.) will they
provide and in what format?
Would baling onsite improve
revenue and collection issues?
Cardboard Recycling
Photo provided by: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
-------
The custodial or maintenance staff will likely be tasked with moving recyclables from public
areas to a common staging area. Evaluate internal waste collection practices to determine if
collection of recyclables will require additional staff. Determine if there are contract limitations
with the staff that currently collects waste. For example, they may be limited in the areas of the
terminal they can service.
Step 5: Develop a Plan
To develop a successful recycling plan, consider factors such as the number of passengers that
pass through your facility each day, the size of your airport, and the characteristics of your
traffic. Identify all factors that will influence your plan and affect the scale and scope of your
recycling program. Use the information from your waste assessment to identify your critical
needs. For example, if you have a high traffic cargo area you may need special collection
systems for wooden pallets.
Many airports initially target the "big five" recyclable materials - paper, plastic, glass,
corrugated cardboard, and aluminum - then expand their program to recycle wooden pallets,
food waste, electronics, used tires and other materials. Initially, target materials that would be
easiest to collect and draft a plan to expand into other materials. Corrugated cardboard and
aluminum are good initial materials with substantial environmental benefits and possible
financial returns. Additionally, "back of the house" material collection only requires employee
participation.
Select a Collection System
There are multiple types of sorting systems to consider for your program. The best system may
employ a combination of sorting methods, including commingled recycling and multi-stream
recycling. Each system has its own advantages and each airport should carefully consider its
collection practices at all levels before making a decision. Local market conditions, the
regulatory framework, and hauler collection standards must be taken into consideration during
the system design phase.
• Separate stream (multi-stream) - requires airport patrons and employees to place
recyclables in separate bins. The most common version of separate stream recycling is
one bin for containers (plastics bottles, aluminum cans, and glass bottles) and another bin
for paper.
• Single stream (commingled) - allows airport patrons and employees to place all
recyclables in a single bin. The material is sorted later, usually at the materials recovery
facility.
• Post-treatment separation - airport patrons and employees dispose of recyclables and
trash together. All material is sorted later. This is a very labor intensive process and
lacks visibility within the airport. The public may not realize the airport recycles if you
use post-treatment separation.
-------
Collection system options are limited by the options available in your area (as discussed in Step
4). Although they collect similar materials, you will most likely determine that your office
spaces require a different system than the public areas of the airport. Construction and
maintenance areas will also need special systems and different containers. If you have disposal
facilities and haulers that can handle more than one type of system, compare the costs of
collection containers and material reimbursements.
Staging area equipment at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Photo provided by: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Storage and staging areas
Staging areas are central locations where recyclables from throughout the airport are stored and
haulers pick up material. A common problem among airports is finding sufficient area to stage
materials. Staging areas require space for larger containers. As discussed in the previous step,
the complex ownership and multiple tenants in airports may require airports to lease additional
space from the airlines to establish staging areas.
The most common equipment found in staging areas are dumpsters, compactors and balers.
Compactors and balers condense material, saving space. Depending on the quantity of plastic
bottles and cardboard collected, a baler or compactor should be considered in order to maximize
the weight and quantity in transportation. Your recycler may indicate that they prefer compacted
or baled materials.
10
-------
Exhibit 2
Common Recyclable Materials Found at Airports
WHAT
WHERE
Corrugated
Cardboard
Mixed Paper
Newspaper
Glass
Aluminum
Cans
Plastic Bottles
Pallets
Food Waste &
_jCo^J<[n£jOi[_
Organics/
Green Waste
Electronics
Used Tires
Used Oil
Scrap Metal
Concrete
Lumber
Batteries
Toner
Cartridges
Plastic
(non- bottles,
e.g. film)
Public Terminals
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ticketing
X
X
X
X
X
Security Gates
X
X
X
X
X
Food Service Areas
X
X
X
X
X
X
w
-------
Bin Selection and Placement
Proper collection bins are vital to the success of your recycling program. They are also the major
expense at the formation of your program. For these reasons, the decision of what bins to
purchase, how they are labeled, and where they will be located is the most important decision
you will make in this stage of your recycling plan.
The type of collection bins used at airports is as unique as the airports. Some airports choose all-
in-one systems that include compartments for recyclables and trash. Other airports use modular
systems. A new trend in bins is the inclusion of advertising. The bin from Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport, shown on the next page, utilizes space above the bins to earn revenues.
The best bins are those with clear labeling and design features that limit contamination. Be sure
that each visible side of the bin is labeled. Mark the bins with words and pictures, so they are
understandable to international passengers. Often, labeling "bottles and cans" rather than "glass,
plastic, and aluminum" gives a stronger message, reducing confusion and contamination.
Seattle-Tacoma Airport redesigned their recycling bins to make them more noticeable to the
public. With a simple relabeling of the same basic bin, public recycling at the airport increased
by 40 percent.
The bag choice for inside of the bins is important as well. Using different colored liners for the
recycling bins allows the cleaning crew to easily keep track of what is recyclable and which
central collection container it goes in. Other options include clear, see-through liners or half-
clear/half-colored liners.
Placement of bins in high traffic areas and areas of material generation is important. Always
place recycling containers next to trash cans to reduce contamination. It is important to check
the waste bins often enough to keep them from overfilling and discouraging people from using
the recycling bins for trash. Another way to prevent contamination is to buy bins with distinct
openings (round for bottles and cans, slotted for paper) and different colored tops. Page 13 has
photos of several different types of bins used at airports throughout the country.
Set goals
Establish goals for your program before you begin collection. These goals may be based on
targets set by the community. Many localities are working to be the most environmentally
friendly in the country. They may require the airport to recycle a certain percentage of their
waste to help with this goal. Use information obtained during your waste assessment to establish
goals.
12
-------
Exhibits
In-Terminal Collection Bins
From top to bottom: Kansas City International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall
Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Salt Lake City International Airport, and Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport.
13
-------
Step 6: Educate Staff and Customers
Airports must educate both employees and customers about a new recycling program. Employee
education begins as soon as the plan is developed. Customer education will begin after you
implement your plan. For a successful, long-term recycling program continual education of these
groups is necessary.
Educate airport staff
Before your plan is rolled out, meet with the participants. Airports with successful programs talk
to vendors, maintenance staff, airline staff and other h'h't A
employees face-to-face about their role in the program. txniDIl **
After the program is in place, they follow-up regularly to Educational Materials
ensure there are no new questions.
Airports frequently re-educate the entire airport staff
regarding the benefits of recycling and how the program
functions in the airport. Portland International Airport
includes information about the recycling program in new
employee training, emails, staff meetings, vendor
meetings, and through regular face-to-face interactions
with airport users. San Diego International Airport
created a handbook, in Spanish and English, explaining
the recycling program. In the handbook, employees
learn how the recycling program operates, why the
airport chose a single-stream approach, the benefits of
recycling and recycling facts.
Recycling at
San Diego
International
Airport
REMEMBER
REDUCE,
Educate customers
As with any good recycling program, airports must
clearly identify where bins are located and how to use
them. Educating customers about the benefits of
recycling reinforces the practice. Place informational
signs on or near bins explaining why recycling is
important. Midway Airport, in Chicago, developed signs
that show products that are made from recycled
materials. They also displayed large banners telling
customers "Chicago Recycles". A terminal poster may
encourage a visitor to walk a few extra feet to find the
bin. External publicity should be considered through press releases to local news media to inform
hometown customers and other interested parties of airport recycling.
Source: San Diego International
Airport.
14
-------
Step 7: Monitor and Refine the Plan
During the life of the recycling program, periodically evaluate how well your plan is working
and what adjustments are needed. Be prepared to make changes to bins, collection schedules,
and educational material. Monitor the use of all bins to determine if they are being used
properly. Visual inspections of the bins by members of the green team and discussions with the
custodial staff can help identify bins that are not used or that are overfilling before collection.
The solution may be as simple as moving the location of the bins; however, if resources are
available you may also decide to add additional bins to certain areas of the airport.
The amount of recyclables collected varies by quantity and material throughout the day. For
example, airports find that more newspapers are disposed of in the morning. As a result, the
newspaper bins fill at a faster rate in the morning and may require earlier collection by custodial
staff than plastic bottles, which are generated more frequently in the afternoon. If your program
succeeds in dramatically changing the composition and timing of the waste collected, your initial
estimates for hauler contracts may also require adjustment.
Even the most successful programs will experience contamination problems in their recycling
program. Regular visual inspections of dumpsters and trash cans can educate the recycling team
about problem areas. At Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the
recycling team inspects airfield trash and recycling containers twice a month. Weekly, they
observe and photograph the contents of a compactor at the hauler's facility. Because of the
staffs knowledge of which vendors and airlines use each dumpster, if they observe
contamination, they can identify where more education is needed.
Step 8: Measure Performance
Establish a set of measures to monitor your performance. Metrics that are measured consistently
(annually/quarterly/monthly) using the same collection methodology allow your team to correct
problems and report measurements to airport management and the public.
Quantifying the amount of waste you collect is a challenging project. However, without accurate
measurements it is difficult to improve or expand your program. Use your initial waste assessment
(Step 3) as a baseline and methodology for monitoring your program. Airports with recycling programs
recommend that measurement metrics are normalized by the number of passengers. Normalizing your
waste collection data adjusts for seasonal and long-term changes in airport traffic.
Expenses are often higher during the first year of a new program. The largest first year costs include
purchasing collection bins and training staff. As your recycling program progresses you should be able
to see cost savings from reduced trash pick-ups and sale of recycled material.
Consider the following factors when collecting program data:
• Cost of waste disposal
• Cost of recycling
• Dumpster rental costs
15
-------
• Internal labor cost (including custodial staff, recycling coordinator)
• Location of bins
• Weight of waste disposed
• Weight of materials recycled
Step 9: Promote Successes
Publicize your program inside and outside the airport. As cities compete to be classified as the
most environmentally friendly, promoting recycling in your airport enhances your local image.
An airport is often the first and last experience a traveler has with a particular area. Promoting an
environmental message like recycling will send a positive message to the passengers coming
through the airport. Many consumers have come to expect recycling bins in public areas. A
successful program reflects positively on the airport's environmental stewardship, and it
encourages employees and customers to continue to contribute to the program's growth.
Demonstrate the success of your program to the public by quantifying the positive impact the
program is having on the environment. Waste reduction programs reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions and saves energy by using fewer resources. Mining or harvesting virgin material is
reduced in producing new products from recovered materials. EPA's Waste Reduction Model
(WARM) (http://www.epa.gov/WARM) is a tool for airports and other businesses to estimate the
greenhouse gas and energy savings from recycling, composting and source reduction.
Exhibits
Sample Greenhouse Gas Benefits of Recycling
Using EPA's WARM model
Material Recycled
Glass (10 tons)
Corrugated Cardboard
(10 tons)
Mixed Plastics (10 tons)
Metric Tons of Carbon
Dioxide Equivalent
3
34
16
Equivalency
Emissions from the consumption
of 341 gallons of gasoline
Emissions from the consumption
of 3,859 gallons of gasoline
Emissions from the consumption
of 1 ,816 gallons of gasoline
16
-------
Step 10: Expand the Program
After successfully running your recycling program for a year or season you may decide to
expand your program to collect additional materials or include new areas of the airport. Periodic
review of your original nine steps can help focus efforts to improve and expand your program.
As mentioned in Step 5, most programs start with paper, aluminum, plastic, glass and corrugated
cardboard. While working to maximize the materials already collected, consider new materials
such as organic waste. A program targeting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste
for composting, may involve new partners outside of the airport. There are also non-composting
options for food waste. For example, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport donates unused food
to local food banks. See Section 3 for a description of Seattle-Tacoma's food waste program.
Program expansion may include involving additional partners. Integrate vendors, airlines and
flight kitchens into your program if you were not able to do so initially.
Airports' recycling programs also expand to new areas of the airport as their programs grow.
Parking areas are often not included in initial plans. Recycling in parking areas may require
collection bins that are more durable than those inside of the airport in order to withstand
weather and collisions with vehicles.
17
-------
Section 2. Additional Waste Strategies
Chemicals Management
Airports handle an array of environmentally toxic chemicals in maintenance areas, on the
runway, and on airport grounds. Properly managing these chemicals, which may include
minimization and recycling, reduces the environmental impact of their use. Among the many
examples of chemicals that airports may encounter are PCBs, de-icing fluids, mercury and
pesticides. For some of these chemicals the main objective is reduction, such as with pesticides.
For others, such as the glycol from de-icing fluids, the goal is recovery and recycling. As with
other types of solid waste, you may need to find a market for the recycled material if it can not
be used onsite. Recycling or reduction of chemicals may also require investments in equipment
or the development of collection methods.
Several airports have joined EPA's National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP), a
program designed to reduce the use and release of designated chemicals of a national concern
(http://www.epa.gov/npep). Airports already enrolled in NPEP include Los Angeles International
Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and the Houston Airport
System.
Source reduction
Source reduction is the design, manufacture, acquisition, and reuse of materials so as to
minimize the quantity and/or toxicity of waste produced. Source reduction prevents waste either
by redesigning products or by otherwise changing patterns of consumption, use and waste
generation.
Every area of the airport has opportunities to reduce waste generation. One source reduction
practice that is easy to implement is setting printers to print on both sides of the paper. Another
popular office space source reduction practice is using reusable mugs and glasses. The airport
could even encourage this practice by distributing mugs or reusable water bottles (mention your
recycling program on the mugs and bottles to give your program extra exposure).
Concessionaires in the airport can practice source reduction by using less packaging and limiting
the amount of materials distributed to customers. The cargo area of the airport can reuse pallets.
The benefits of source reduction are more than just environmental. Using less material will
result in fewer products purchased and less waste disposal - potentially leading to direct cost
savings.
18
-------
Buy Recycled
Another way for your airport to support resource conservation and recycling is by purchasing
recycled-content products. By using recycled-content products you "close the loop" and increase
demand for recycled-content products in the marketplace, helping to ensure demand for the
recyclable materials your airport diverts.
Recycled products and supplies exist for all areas of your airport. For example, offices are an
easy place to begin using recycled products. Recycled-content paper is available through most
office suppliers. Some important terms to look for on a product with recycled content are
"Percentage Recycled Content" and "Percentage Post-Consumer Material." Recycled material
includes all material that would have been otherwise discarded. This may include material that
was generated as part of the manufacturing process, but was never used by consumers. Post-
consumer material is material from products that were used by consumers or businesses and
would otherwise be discarded as waste. The primary goal is to find products with the highest
percentage of recycled content available.
There are several sources online to help you identify recycled-content products.
The Federal government developed the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) and
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing policies (http://www.epa.gov/cpg/links.htm). Not only
does the website provide information on the availability of recycled content products, it can help
you develop an environmentally friendly procurement policy for your airport.
Another helpful reference is the California Integrated Waste Management Board's "Recycled
Content Products Directory Homepage" with categories ranging from Agriculture and
Landscaping Products to Paper and Paper Products (http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/).
19
-------
Section 3. Case Studies
Los Angeles International Airport's cargo area recycling
Los Angeles International Airport offers cargo handling companies free recycling of wooden
pallets, cardboard and plastic. To optimize usage, the recycling bin is in close proximity to the
trash bin. The use of magnetic signs allows bins to be used for the collection of different
materials as needed.
Plastic film, bags and shrink wrap from cargo operations are collected in bins using the same
methods as with pallets and cardboard. The bins are brought back to the recycling yard, the
contents are checked for contaminants, loaded into containers and sent to area recycling
companies.
Dumpsters for pallet recycling at Los Angeles International Airport
Photo provided by: Los Angeles International Airport
Cargo recycling occurs in addition to the established terminal recycling program. Various sized
collection bins are placed around the airport. In addition, tenants can request bins for one time
events such as file cleaning and relocation. The full bins are brought back to Los Angeles World
Airport's maintenance facility where the contents are sorted, contaminants removed and the
cardboard is baled. The mixed paper and cardboard is then sold to area recycling companies.
20
-------
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Food Donation Program
Food scraps are a large portion of an airport's waste stream. Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport found a way to reduce the amount of food they send to the landfill while helping the
community. Unused (wrapped, packaged) food that would otherwise be discarded is donated to
local food banks. The food donation program is also an excellent example of cooperation
between airports and tenants. Concessions vendors are engaged as active participants and learn
alternate ways to minimize their impact on the environment, while they simultaneously help the
community. Since 2006, Seattle-Tacoma has donated 26,000 pounds of pre-packaged food to
food banks. If your airport is concerned about liability, contact the local food bank to discuss the
Federal Good Samaritan Food Donation Act of 1996.
Food scraps that are not suitable for donation are not wasted either. The airport collects over 10
tons of coffee grounds every month. The recovered coffee grounds are mixed with yard waste
and sent to a compost facility. Cooking oil is another food waste that can be recycled.
Reclaimed cooking oil, from airport restaurants and bars, is sold for use as biodiesel.
For additional information on food donation as a waste reduction practice see:
Putting Surplus Food to Good Use
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/organics/pubs/food-guide.pdf
Donating Surplus Food to the Needy
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/wstewi se/pub s/needy2 .pdf
Recovering Organic Wastes - Giving Back to Mother Nature
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/wstewise/pubs/wwupdal2.pdf
21
-------
Delta Air Lines
A challenge facing airports with established recycling programs is capturing the recyclables from
aircraft. Airlines face an entirely separate set of roadblocks to collecting recyclable material.
Unlike the terminal and office space, airline staff- including flight attendants, airline cleaning
crews and flight kitchens - collects materials on aircrafts, not the customer or employee. Waste
collection is not, however, their primary concern. Flight attendants must ensure the safety of the
passengers before shifting their priorities to waste collection. With limited time to move up and
down the aisles and limited storage space in the aircraft, even the most well-intentioned efforts
by flight attendants may be hindered.
Delta took on the challenge of recycling domestic in-flight waste during 2007. The first step was
to launch the program at their largest hub and world headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. The materials
identified for collection were aluminum cans, plastic cups, plastic bottles and paper. To keep the
process simple and minimize the amount of time flight attendants spent collecting the material,
they decided to use a single stream system. The single stream process also facilitated easy
transfer of materials between aircraft, airports and crews. By placing all the recyclables in a
separate bag on top of the trash, it could be stored in the trash cart where the service crew would
be able to quickly identify the material when it was unloaded from the aircraft. Aluminum cans
recovered in the beverage cart are recycled by the flight kitchen. Between June and December of
2007, Delta was able to divert 148.3 tons of material from Atlanta area landfills. In addition,
Delta was able to realize monetary savings from reduced landfill fees. Rebates earned from
recycling are put back into the program and a portion of the proceeds are given to charitable
organizations.
Delta's experience provides lessons about publicizing the positive results of a program as well.
Earlier attempts to recycle on flights had failed because, among other reasons, the flight
attendants were not convinced that the material they collected was actually being recycled on the
ground. To educate the flight attendants and assure them that their efforts were worthwhile,
Delta created materials to show the recycling process and the goals of the program. They also
developed a set of activities to support "continuous education." Continuous education is
provided by materials displayed in flight attendant lounges, as well as through online newsletters
and posters with monthly recycling statistics displayed in the break rooms.
Due to the success of their in-flight program, Delta continues to expand their program. They
recently began recycling carpet from aircrafts and established a recycling center in their world
headquarters for use by their employees.
22
-------
Appendix A: Worksheets for Characterizing Your Waste
Records Review
The following worksheets help you estimate the total amount paid for waste removal services for
your airport.
Airport records (including waste hauling contracts, maintenance and operating logs, and waste
removal records) will be the primary sources of information needed to complete this worksheet.
Maintenance staffer contractors also might be able to provide information.
This worksheet measures current costs of onsite waste collection and offsite waste removal.
Waste collection involves gathering trash from areas throughout the airport and taking it to an
onsite collection area such as a dumpster. Waste removal involves shipping the waste off site for
disposal. In addition, this worksheet is designed to help you calculate waste removal costs
whether you pay a flat fee or are charged per pull. A flat fee is a rate charged for waste removal
services that remains constant over a specific period of time (such as a year) regardless of
fluctuations in the amount of waste generated. A pull charge is a fee paid every time a hauler
empties or removes a container. Charges in this fee structure do not reflect the volume of waste
in the container.
If waste removal practices vary significantly in different areas of the airport, or if different waste
contractors are used, record the information separately.
23
-------
Onsite Waste Collection
Name of waste collector:
Telephone number:
Check one
Maintenance staff
Maintenance contractor
Collection Schedule:
Number of times
per (day/week/other)
Annual Cost of Waste Collection (if maintenance contractor):
If waste collection is performed by a maintenance contractor use this formula to calculate the annual cost.
$
Annual payments to
maintenance contractor
Waste container rental
fee, if any
_ $
Annual cost of waste
collection
Annual Cost of Waste Collection (if maintenance staff):
If waste collection is performed by in-house staff, calculate the costs below. When filling in hourly rate, be
sure to calculate wage rate plus overhead including benefits. (In many businesses, a factor of 1.3 is often
used. For example, for an employee earning $10.00/hr, use an hourly rate of $13.00.)
Collection personnel:
# of employees
X
Hourly
rate
X
Hours per week
X 52
_ $
Total annual labor cost spent
on waste collection
If applicable, add:
Waste container
rental fee
Per
Time period
X
Periods per year
_ $
Annual waste container
rental cost
$
Total annual labor
cost
$
Annual waste
container rental cost
_ $
Annual cost of
onsite waste collection
24
-------
Offsite Waste Removal
Name of waste removal company:
Telephone number:
Contract expires on:
Removal Schedule:
Number of times per (day/week/month/other)
Day of week Time(s)
Day of week Time(s)
Day of week Time(s)
Waste Removal Charge (if charged as flat fee part of rent):
_ $
X
Waste removal Time periods Annual waste
fee per year removal charge
Waste Removal Charge (if charged by weight or volume):
_ $
Waste removal charge
If applicable, add:
$
Hauling container(s)
rental fee
$
Annual waste removal
charge
1 Cl /\
Unit of weight
or volume
Prr Y
Time period
, $
Annual waste container
rental cost
Unit of waste
removed annually
Time periods
per year
_ $
Annual
removal
Annual waste
removal charge
_ $
Annual waste
container rental cost
waste
charge
25
-------
Waste Removal Charge (if charged by pull):
Charge per pull
X
Pulls per year
If applicable add:
$
—
Hauling container(s)
rental fee
per
_. . .
' P '
Time periods per
year
$
—
Annual waste
container rental cost
per
$
- —
Annua, tipping fee
_$
$
Annual waste pulling
charge
Annual waste
container rental cost
Annual
«»»udi
_ _$_
Annual waste
removal charge
26
-------
Facility Walk-Through
This worksheet will help you to identify and record the different waste-generating activities and
equipment in your airport, the types of waste produced, and any current waste reduction efforts.
In addition, it will help you to identify all materials that could be targeted by your waste
reduction program and brainstorm ways to reduce, reuse or recycle these materials.
The information needed to complete this worksheet can be obtained by conducting a walk-
through of targeted functional areas of your airport. The walk-through entails carefully
observing waste-generating activities and equipment, examining the contents of waste
containers, and interviewing supervisors and employees.
Be sure to pay close attention to areas and operations that tend to generate the largest amounts of
waste. Remember to include a review of the grounds maintenance operations. While conducting
the walk-through, watch closely for activities and equipment that generate waste unnecessarily,
as well as waste reduction practices that are already in place.
Before your walk-through begins, contact department managers to inform them of the visit and
the possibility of short interviews with department staff. You may also want to interview
custodial workers and operations staff.
If possible, schedule the walk-through just before trash pickups to allow a sufficient amount of
waste to accumulate. During the walk-through, ask questions about variations in daily waste
generation.
Team members conducting walk-through:
Employees interviewed:
27
-------
Facility Walk-Through Form
Waste Components
Waste producing
activity
Waste material
produced
Estimated amount of
waste produced
per year
Current waste
reduction activities
(if any)
28
-------
Waste Sort
This worksheet can be used if you need a more detailed profile of the amounts and types of waste
generated at your airport than a records review or facility walk-through can provide. This
worksheet provides step-by-step instructions for sorting, weighing, and recording data on the
waste your airport generates.
Two different types of sampling methods can be used during a waste sort. The first method is to
collect and sort all the waste generated during the day. This is the most practical method for
smaller companies. The second method is to use a representative sample of approximately 50
pounds of waste from each collection container (i.e., dumpster) at the airport.
If you elect to analyze a representative sample, be sure your sorting sample is truly
representative. Waste generation and waste components can vary significantly from day to day,
season to season, and year to year. If you suspect that the waste sample being sorted is not truly
representative of your airport's waste-generating practices, consult with your trash collection or
operations manager for input on the accuracy of the data. Make a note on this worksheet of any
results you believe are not accurate. When sorting a sample, you will still need to weigh or
estimate one day's worth of waste in order to extrapolate annual estimates for each waste
category.
Determine the size and location of the area in which you will sort the waste. If large quantities
of waste will be sorted, a large, flat area such as a parking garage or shipping area is an
appropriate location to conduct the waste sort. It is advisable to sort in a sheltered area to
provide cover from adverse weather. Be sure to consider health and safety issues as well. All
members of the waste reduction team should wear protective clothing (such as leather or thick
rubber gloves, heavy-duty shoes, safety glasses, and coveralls), and precautions should be taken
to ensure that the waste does not come in contact with food or drink.
A waste sort requires several containers for holding the sorted wastes and a scale for weighing
the samples. The size of the containers depends on the amount of waste to be sorted. Thirty or
fifty gallon plastic containers, garbage cans or large corrugated cardboard boxes will be needed
for most airports. If the airport does not have large scales, they can often be rented. In addition,
you will need shovels or push brooms.
29
-------
Waste Sort Instructions
Beginning the waste sort
1. Assemble the waste sample to be sorted, using either one day's worth of waste or an otherwise
representative sample of waste from your facility.
2. Weigh the empty containers that the sorted wastes will be placed into and record these weights
on a label on each container. It may be necessary to weigh the empty container multiple times
throughout the sort to account for changes due to materials sticking to the containers.
3. Sort the waste sample by major component (paper, plastics, glass, metal, compostable organics,
other).
4. If needed, further sort each major waste component into more specific component subcategories
(e.g., sort glass into clear, green, amber, or other).
5. Place the sorted materials into separate labeled containers.
Date of Waste Sort: Department:
Sample collected over: Q One day Q Two days Q Other
Sample collected: | | All waste at source | | Representative sample (specify)
Team members conducting waste sort:
Factors affecting representativeness of sort:
30
-------
Calculating net component weights
1. Weigh each filled waste container and subtract the weight of the container to obtain the net
component weight. Record the net component weight on the spaces provided on the Waste Sort
Form. If you did not sort these waste components into component subcategories, proceed to the
last step.
2. If you sorted the waste components into component subcategories, add their net weights and
record the total waste component weight on the Waste Sort Form.
3. Add all the total waste component weight figures to determine the total sample weight and record
this total on the Waste Sort Form.
Calculating percent of total sample weight
1. Use the following formula and the figures recorded in the Net Component Weight column of the
Waste Sort Form to compute the percentage each waste component constitutes of the total weight of
the sample.
2. Repeat the calculation for each waste component under consideration and record the results in the
Percent of Total Sample Weight column on the Waste Sort Form. (Note: If you sorted the waste
components into component subcategories, you also may choose to calculate the percentage of the
sample occupied by each waste component subcategory, depending on the level of information you
are interested in.)
X 100 = *-
Net component weight Total sample weight Percent of total sample weight
Calculating weight of waste generated annually
If you sorted one day's worth of waste, calculate the weight of waste generated for each waste component
using the following formula:
X =
Net component weight Number of working Weight of waste generated
days per year annually
-------
If you sorted a representative sample, first weigh or estimate all of the waste generated by your airport
that day. Calculate the amount of waste generated annually for each waste component using the
following formulas:
Total component Total sample weight Multiplier
weight generated/day (all components)
x x =
Net component Multiplier Number of work Weight of waste
weight days per year generated annually
Repeat the appropriate calculation for each waste component under consideration and record the figures
in the "Weight of waste generated annually" column of the waste sort form. (Note: If you sorted the waste
components into component subcategories, you may choose to calculate the amount of waste generated
annually by each waste component subcategory; depending on the level of detail you are interested in
obtaining.)
32
-------
Waste Sort Form
Waste component
£
re
Q.
(/)
(/)
re
0
S
0)
Organics
Plastics
^
0)
+-
O
High-Grade
Low-Grade
Newsprint
Corrugated Cardboard
Magazines/Glossy
Other
Total Component Weight
Clear
Green
Amber
Other
Total Component Weight
Aluminum
Other Non-Ferrous Metal
Tin-Coated Steel
Other Ferrous Metal
Bi-Metal
Other
Total Component Weight
Yard Trimmings
Food Scraps
Scrap Wood
Other
Total Component Weight
PET(#1)
HOPE (#2)
PVC (#3)
LDPE (#4)
Polypropylene (#5)
Polystyrene (#6)
Other (#7)
Total Component Weight
Tires
Wooden Pallets
Rubber
Leather
Inorganic (e.g., ceramics, mixed
materials)
Copier Toner Cartridges
Total
Net component
weight
Percent of total
sample weight
(all components)
Weight of waste
generated
annually
33
-------
Appendix B: Glossary
Baler: A machine used to compress recyclables into bundles to reduce volume. Balers are used
often on newspapers, plastic, corrugated cardboard, and other sorted paper products.
Bailing: The compaction of solid waste or recyclables into blocks or bales.
Bimetal containers: A typical example includes tin-plated steel cans with an aluminum top.
These containers can be separated from aluminum cans using a magnet.
Biodegradable material: Materials that can be broken down by microorganisms into simple,
stable compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. Most organic materials, such as food scraps
and paper, are biodegradable.
Commingled recyclables: Two or more recyclable materials collected together (i.e. not
separated).
Compactor: Power-driven device used to compress materials to a smaller volume.
Compost: The stable, decomposed organic material resulting from the composting process.
Also referred to as humus.
Composting: The controlled biological decomposition of organic materials in the presence of
oxygen into a stable product that may be used as a soil amendment.
Construction and demolition waste: Materials resulting from the construction, remodeling,
repair or demolition of buildings, pavements and other structures.
Contaminant: Foreign material that makes a recyclable or compostable material impure; for
example, food scraps on paper products.
Diversion rate: The amount of material being diverted for recycling, compared to the total
amount that was previously disposed.
Ferrous metal: Includes iron and iron-containing metal scrap.
Generation rate: The amount of waste that is produced over a given amount of time.
Hauler: A waste collection company that offers a complete refuse removal service. Many
haulers now offer to serve as collectors of recyclables as well.
Hazardous waste: Waste material that exhibits a characteristic of hazardous waste as defined in
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity).
High-grade paper: High-grade paper is usually generated in office environments. Types of
high-grade paper include computer paper, white ledger, white envelopes and letterhead.
34
-------
Inorganic waste: Waste composed of matter other than plant or animal.
Low-grade paper: These papers are less valuable than high-grade paper in terms of recycling,
although they still can be cost-effective to recycle in many cases. Some examples include
colored paper, paper bags, and packing paper.
Markets: Generally, a recycling business or municipal recycling facility that accepts recyclable
materials for processing and final sale to an end user, either for their own use or for resale.
Municipal solid waste (MSW): MSW means household waste, commercial solid waste,
nonhazardous sludge, conditionally exempt small quantity hazardous waste, and industrial solid
waste.
Non-ferrous metals: Includes most types of scrap metal which do not contain iron (such as
copper and brass).
Organic material (organic waste): Materials containing carbon. The organic portion of MSW
includes paper, wood, food scraps, plastics and yard trimmings.
Pallet: A wooden platform used with a forklift for moving bales or other large items.
Processing: The operations performed on recycled materials to render them reusable or
marketable. Processing can include grinding glass, crushing cans, or bailing newspaper.
Processing has two distinct functions: a separation function and a processing or beneficiation
function. Processing generally results in adding value to a particular material.
Recyclables: Materials that still have useful physical or chemical properties after serving their
original purpose. Such materials can be remade into new products.
Recycling: The process by which materials are collected and used in place of raw materials for
new products. There are five steps in recycling: collecting waste materials, separating them by
type (before or after collection), processing them into reusable forms, marketing the "new"
products, and using the goods made with reprocessed materials.
Reuse: Using items again by repairing, donating, or selling.
Source reduction: The design, manufacture, acquisition, and reuse of materials so as to
minimize the quantity and/or toxicity of waste produced. Source reduction prevents waste either
by redesigning products or by otherwise changing patterns of consumption, use and waste
generation. (See also, "waste reduction.")
Tipping fee: A fee charged for the unloading or dumping of material at a landfill, transfer
station, recycling center, or waste-to-energy facility, usually stated in dollars per ton (sometimes
called a disposal or service fee).
35
-------
Transfer station: A permanent facility where waste materials are taken from smaller collection
vehicles and placed in larger vehicles for transport. Recycling and some processing may also
take place at transfer stations.
Waste Reduction: Waste reduction is a broad term encompassing all waste management
methods - source reduction, recycling, composting - that result in reduction of waste going to a
combustion facility or landfill.
Waste Stream: A term describing the total flow of solid waste from homes, businesses,
institutions and manufacturing plants that must be recycled, burned, or disposed of in landfills.
Yard trimmings: Leaves, grass clippings, prunings and other natural organic matter discarded
from yards and gardens.
36
-------
37
-------
April 2009
EPA 530-K-08-002
------- |