Enhancing airport recycling, reuse, and waste reduction programs is a core objective of airport planning. All airports that have or plan to prepare a master plan, and that receive Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for an eligible project, must ensure that the new or updated master plan addresses issues related to solid waste recycling at the airport. This includes:

• The feasibility of solid waste recycling;
• Minimizing the generation of solid waste;
• Operation and maintenance requirements;
• Review of waste management contracts; and
• The potential for cost savings or the generation of revenue.

FAA Orders and Guidance

• FAA Order 5100.38D, Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Handbook
  Provides guidance to FAA staff about AIP grants for airport recycling plans.
• FAA Guidance on Airport Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction (PDF)
  Technical guidance on preparing airport recycling plans and enhancing airport recycling programs. This guidance applies to all federally obligated airports that are completing an airport master plan/master plan update, including recycling in an airport sustainability plan, or preparing a stand-alone recycling plan.

Other Resources

• FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47102(5) and 47106(a)) (PDF)
  Legislative authority for incorporating recycling, reuse, and waste reduction into airport planning.
• FAA Synthesis Document: Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction Plans at Airports (PDF)
  Prepared for airport sponsors that are establishing or enhancing their recycling programs, this synthesis document provides general information on recycling at airports. It includes case studies and best practices from airports that have successful recycling, reuse, and waste reduction programs.
• Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 92: Airport Waste Management and Recycling Practices
• Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Report 100: Recycling Best Practices - A Guidebook for Advancing Recycling from Aircraft Cabins

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