Waste

Waste
management

Wastes at Airports originates from terminals, tenants, airlines and cargo. In particular, international waste is concern of most airports. When waste originates from countries with different policies and regulations, there is a risk of introduction of plant pastes, diseases, and other contaminants. Hazardous material caused by the maintenance services also have to be handled.

Waste formation at
the airports and
undesirable effects

Wastes can have harmful effects around the airport when they are discharged without a safe plan. Some of those effects can be listed as:

  • FOD risk throughout the airport which leads to flight safety
  • Contamination of soil, water and air which are the primary source of life for all organisms
  • Unhealthy and unsafe working environment for the
  • Unpleasant environment for passengers, customers and surrounding community
  • Significant increase of environmental costs

Waste Management

It is important to implement a successful waste management plan in the airports to make sure that the amount of these wastes and their effect on the environment are reduced to minimum. Implementing a waste management program requires good waste assessment based on monitoring and recording, however it is significantly important to have strong communications between the airport operator and all relevant stakeholders such as tenants, airlines, contractors and local environmental authorities.

The ultimate goal is eliminating waste going to landfills.

According to the waste hierarchy, the best environmental waste management choice is: to avoid, to reduce, to reuse, to recycle, and at last, to dispose. The ultimate goal is eliminating waste going to landfills. This hierarchy implies that the first consideration should be given to minimize the generation of waste at the airport. Additionally, it includes opportunities for cost savings through improved waste management, the feasibility of waste recycling at the airport, and the potential for generation of revenue, from airport waste.

Municipal, Domestic and Compostable Wastes: Most common type of waste group inside an airport is the ones that originate due to the most basic operations. The source of these wastes are food and beverage services, landscaping activities, cleaning of the common areas, construction and demolition and ground operations. Different treatment options can be applied for each type of waste such as composting or disposal.

Packaging Wastes and Reusable Materials: Products must be purchased in order to keep all kinds of services running. Whilst products and materials are taken into use, their packages need to be discarded for recycle or reuse. Inside this group, inventories such as wood, metal, electronics or plastics can be included which lost their functions in time. These wastes can be managed by recycling or up-cycling these materials.

Hazardous and Industrial Wastes: These group of wastes consist on chemicals, oils, batteries, contaminated products, solvents and all others that can be toxic for the environment. Maintenance and repair, aircraft washing, and de-icing operations are the main sources of these wastes, and each of them require special treatment.

Envisa chave a global network of experts for environmental issues who are specifically experienced at airport operations. Our experts at ENVISA can help you:

  • Evaluate your operations in terms of waste
  • Come up with a management plan which is entirely tailored for your needs
  • Train your employees about your own waste management planPrepare all relevant written documents and standard operating