Airport waste collection

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Why use us for airport waste collection

Finding the right waste collection service for an airport can be complex, but we’re here to make it simple. Our service connects you with trusted providers, ensuring tailored waste management solutions that keep operations compliant and cost-effective.

Cost saving

We’ll match you with local providers offering competitive rates and flexible waste collection services, helping airports cut costs without compromising on quality or reliability.

All waste types

Our partners handle all types of airport waste, including general waste, recyclables, hazardous materials, food waste, and packaging, ensuring safe and compliant disposal.

Reliable service

We work exclusively with providers known for their excellent service and dependable collections, allowing airports to focus on smooth and efficient operations.

Waste types in airports

Airports generate various types of commercial waste that require proper management. Here’s a breakdown of the most common waste types:

Food waste

Food waste arises from uneaten meals, perishable ingredients, and catering services. Airports must arrange dedicated commercial food waste collection. For more information, visit our guide to commercial food waste recycling obligations.

Cardboard waste

Commercial cardboard waste includes packaging materials from airline supplies, retail stores, and cargo shipments. Proper recycling of cardboard helps reduce landfill waste and supports sustainability goals.

Mixed recycling waste

Dry mixed recycling includes items such as aluminium cans, plastic bottles, paper, and certain types of plastic bottles. These materials can be collected in a single bin and sorted at a local recycling facility.

Glass waste

Commercial glass waste comes from beverage bottles, broken glassware, and duty free operations. Proper collection and recycling help airports reduce environmental impact and maintain safety standards.

Sanitary waste

Sanitary waste includes hygiene products disposed of in restroom bins across terminals. Proper sanitary bin management is essential to maintaining hygiene and meeting sanitary waste obligations for businesses.

General waste

General waste includes non-recyclable and contaminated materials such as mixed packaging, used napkins, waxed cups, and plastic cutlery from food courts, lounges, and flights. Efficient waste disposal helps keep airport operations smooth and compliant.

How to arrange airport waste collection?

Arranging waste collection for an airport is simple and efficient with our service. Here’s how the process works:

Enter your postcode

Start by entering your airport’s postcode in our online form to start the process.

Tell us your requirements

Provide details on the types and volumes of waste your airport generates so we can find the right solution for you.

Receive your quote

We’ll connect you with trusted waste collection providers, ensuring you get the best value and service.

Set up collection

We will work with your chosen provider to arrange a collection schedule that suits your airport’s operations.

Save time and reduce costs

With a reliable waste collection service in place, you can keep your airport running smoothly while ensuring compliance with waste regulations.

Waste minimisation strategies in airports

Waste minimisation in airports is critical due to the high volume of waste generated by passengers, retail outlets, and airline operations daily. Waste minimisation is the first part of the waste hierarchy, the basis for UK waste regulations.

Efficient waste management reduces environmental impact and aligns with global sustainability goals, helping airports lower operational costs and improve their public image.

Here are key examples of waste minimisation tips for airports to follow:

Composting programs for organic waste

Establish composting facilities to handle organic waste from airport restaurants, food courts, and cafes, turning food scraps and compostable packaging into valuable compost for landscaping purposes.

Recycling stations for electronics

Install dedicated bins for passengers and employees to dispose of used batteries, old mobile phones, and other small electronics safely, ensuring proper recycling of e-waste.

Water fountains to reduce single-use plastic

Implement the installation of water fountains and refill stations throughout the airport, including terminals, lounges, and gate areas, to encourage passengers and staff to refill reusable water bottles instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles.

Donation programs for unopened food

Partner with local food banks and charities to donate unopened and non-perishable food items from airport vendors that might otherwise go to waste, helping the community and reducing food waste.

Bulk dispensers in restrooms

Replace single-use toiletry items in restrooms (like soap, shampoo in lounge showers, and hand sanitiser) with bulk dispensers to minimise plastic waste and reduce costs associated with packaging.

Airport commercial waste management FAQs

We answer your frequently asked questions surrounding airport waste management below.

How can passengers contribute to sustainable waste management at airports?

Passengers can play a significant role in contributing to sustainable waste management at airports through several practices.

Embracing the use of refillable water bottles is a crucial step. With the resurgence of public bottle refill stations across airports, passengers are encouraged to refill their bottles instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.

Passengers can also help by choosing airlines and airports committed to reducing their environmental impact. Contributing to a larger demand for sustainable practices within the aviation industry.

This includes supporting airports that have taken steps to eliminate single-use plastics and those investing in SAF and zero-emission aircraft technologies.

Through these actions, passengers not only advocate for a greener aviation sector but also contribute to the industry’s overall goal of reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets.

This initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also revives the tradition of using public water sources, supporting the global movement towards reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

What role do airlines play in airport waste management?

Airlines play a crucial role in airport waste management by focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling cabin waste from their flight operations to minimise their environmental footprint.

There’s a growing concern among passengers about the impact of single-use plastics, and airlines are also focused on minimising food waste.

Regulatory challenges sometimes hinder airlines’ ability to manage cabin waste effectively.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is advocating for simplifying cabin waste regulations to promote technical solutions that reduce costs and contribute to the circular economy.

What is deplaned waste?

Deplaned waste refers to the waste that is removed from an aircraft after it has landed. This type of waste can include a variety of items, such as leftover food and beverages from inflight services.

Managing deplaned waste is a significant aspect of airport waste management practices – as it involves handling potentially large volumes of mixed waste, including recyclables, compostables, and landfill items.

How is waste management at airports evolving with technology?

Airport waste management is evolving with technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, and environmental protection.

Innovations include implementing circular systems for resource recovery, promoting recycling and composting, and reducing single-use plastics.

Technological advancements such as:

Smart waste bins that use AI for sorting recyclables.
Waste level sensors to optimise collection schedules.
AI recycling robots for more accurate sorting.
Pneumatic waste pipes for direct waste transport.
Solar-powered compactors to increase bin capacity are revolutionising waste management.

Which UK airports produce the most waste?

Detailed waste statistics for UK’s airports are difficult to come by, but using passenger numbers as a proxy, here are the top ten waste-producing airports:

Heathrow Airport – West London
Gatwick Airport – Sussex
Manchester Airport – Manchester
Stanstead Airport – Essex
Luton Airport – Bedfordshire
Edinburgh Airport – Edinburgh
Birmingham Airport – Birmingham
Bristol Airport – Bristol
Glasgow Airport – Glasgow
Leeds-Bradford Airport – Leeds / Bradford