London Gatwick has donated more than two tonnes of toiletries and hygiene products to local communities through a partnership with charity The Crawley and Horley Hygiene Bank.
Since the partnership began earlier this year, 2.1 tonnes of toiletries have been donated. The items include unused and unopened hygiene products such as shower gels, deodorants and shampoo, which were left behind at security by passengers.
The UK gateway feels that diverting these items for reuse demonstrates its commitment to meeting its goals and using resources more sustainably, as set out in its second Decade of Change sustainability policy.
The Hygiene Bank brings communities and businesses together to tackle hygiene poverty by providing products to those who need a helping hand.
Through our agreement with The Hygiene Bank, we expect to donate an estimated 10 tonnes of the forecast aerosol and cosmetics, that otherwise would have been waste, by the end of 2023.
Lauren McDaniel, the airport’s senior commercial operations manager, said: “At London Gatwick we are always looking for ways we can both reduce waste and support local communities.
“Our waste goal is to recover 100% of our operational, commercial and construction waste for beneficial use by 2030. This scheme demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting our goals and using resources more sustainably.
“We are investing in local programmes and partnerships that build better communities, enable social mobility, improve health and wellbeing and support people.”
The airport defines beneficial use as repair, reuse, donation, recycling, composting or converting to fuel.
Lorraine Tippett, volunteer and coordinator at The Crawley and Horley Hygiene Bank, said: “London Gatwick makes a huge difference to the people who benefit from our donations. Items such as deodorant, shampoo and toothpaste are like gold dust for us and we are very grateful.”