Waste is a significant environmental issue, not least because waste in landfill sites produces methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. Waste must therefore be minimised through reduced consumption of non-renewable resources.

Waste is generated from a variety of sources, including aircraft, catering and retail outlets, general maintenance and construction. Our airports have concentrated their efforts to recycle more of the valuable resources which would otherwise end up in landfill sites.

Our approach
Working on the principle of the waste hierarchy - reduce, recycle, re-use, dispose - our first priority is to reduce the amount of waste generated through improved efficiency and more thoughtful selection of goods. Attention then shifts to treatment of the waste stream, encouraging re-use, recycling, re-processing and composting. Another aim is to reduce the cost to the business of waste processing by ensuring a responsible approach to waste management, reflecting national and local external sustainability objectives.