BHX’s recycling efforts hit an all-time high

Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK is celebrating its most waste efficient year ever with its recycling rate for terminal operations exceeding 75%.

Year-on-year, the airport’s recycling rate for main terminal waste was 76%, the highest annual figure to date.

Last year, BHX became the first airport worldwide to implement a Mobile Segregation Unit (MSU) to help sustainably process waste: an innovative solution that has helped prevent over 1,200 tonnes of waste from becoming non-recyclable general waste.

The unit facilitates a targeted data-driven approach to waste management and has supported the airport in significantly exceeding its previous strategic commitment of recycling 65% of waste. As a result of the system, the airport’s recycling rate is on track to be one of the highest amongst UK airports.

In addition to recycling, the MSU also supports the reuse and donation of certain items that are left by customers.

From pushchairs to toiletries, 36.2 tonnes of items were donated in the same period to local charities including Let’s Feed Brum, Tots in Need and St Basils.

Commenting on the record year, Tom Denton, BHX’s head of sustainability, said: “We’ve seen some significant improvements in waste efficiency since we implemented the innovative MSU, in partnership with The Green Block and Bidvest Noonan, in March last year.

“Achieving a 20% increase in our recycling rate in just one year is illustrative of the impact that the unit has had in reducing our environmental impact.

“Today on Global Recycling Day we are extremely proud to have one of the highest recycling rates amongst UK airports.”

As the world marks Global Recycling Day, Birmingham Airport is also urging customers to think about what items they are travelling with, particularly through security, to reduce waste.