Envirothink

Who hasn’t experienced that sprint through the airport to catch a plane? In a rush, hands full with carry-ons and a half-full water bottle you forgot to ditch.

In 2006, Homeland Security passed those pesky regulations that air travelers everywhere have found not only inconvenient but annoying. Not only do we have to go one step away from stripping – no belts, shoes, jewelry – but we then have to dump any leftover beverages we still have before being allowed to get through TSA’s security.

The  impact on the environment from all thos half-empty water bottles can be huge, and costly.

Stan Jones, the environmental compliance manager at the Port of Portland, oversees many programs that cut waste at the airport.  He found it was costing up to $100 a day  in extra dump fees. And on the staffing side, janitors struggled to manage overflowing water-filled trashcans.

Water bottle waste can cost airports $75,000 a year!

Trying to cope, the airport decided to dump the cans more often – from every two hours to half an hour. But costs flew up to $100 a day. That’s $100 a day for extra dumping, and $100 a day for extra staffing, making Airport waste costs around $75,000 a year!

Last Fall, the airport tried something new, setting up stainless steel collection bins outside security checkpoints. Twice a day they’re wheeled off, measured, and drained into modified mop sinks by janitors. Liquids now flow into the sewer system, instead of being hauled to a landfill, and empty bottles are then recycled.

And one more thing. The Portland Airport has a personal reminder for travelers. Roger Nelson is one of them.

“We do have pouring stations,” he reminds people. ”Yes, the big PS, either left or right, just pour it into there. Once you do pour it, empty out, take the empty bottle with you, fill it up on the other side. Our water is cold, filtered and free. Did I get you on the free part, right?”

It seems to be working. Dumping stations are diverting several thousand pounds of liquid from the trash every month.  The Port of Portland is now working with other airports looking to set up similar systems.

Who would have thought something so simple – more frequent trash pick-ups and gentle reminders – could make such a difference?