Stansted Airport set to hit recycling targets

STANSTED Airport looks set to hit its recycling targets three years ahead of schedule.

In 2009, Stansted set a long-term goal to recycle 60 per cent of total airport waste by 2015. That target is already in sight with 57.2 per cent of total airport waste recycled in 2011, and 57 per cent already recycled in the first quarter of this year.

Staff at the airport have brought the goal within touching distance by separating food waste for composting to divert it from landfill, investment in mixed recycling by installing a new compactor and installing dedicated bins for plastic bottles throughout the terminal.

An airport spokesman said: “Whilst first quarter performance for 2012 has been strong, focus is now turning to general waste in the terminal that doesn’t filter into recycling streams - currently 1,500 tonnes a year.”

Despite the availability of recycling bins, items such as newspapers and plastic bottles are still regularly placed in general waste. Therefore Stansted Airport Limited, the recycling division of ISS, and on-airport waste management contractor Grundon are manually auditing the volume of recyclable materials collected in general waste.

Kathy Morrissey, the airport’s environment and utilities manager, said: “To recycle 60 per cent of total airport waste by the end of 2015 was a challenging target and we’re delighted to be within touching distance three years ahead of schedule.

“We know not all passengers and staff are mindful of recycling so it will be interesting to see what recyclable materials are sourced during the general waste sorting exercise, the results of which will help us identify areas of the airport operation that need more focus.

“Our success in recycling is only made possible by everyone working together. It’s the small efforts that impact on the bigger picture and we will continue to find new ways of encouraging staff and passengers alike to not only reduce the amount of waste produced, but to reuse and recycle what they can.”