Reduce, reuse, recycle, compost
Thanks to Sea-Tac’s Waste Minimization Program, established in 1993, a good deal of airport trash gets reduced, reused, recycled or composted.
The four aims of the Waste Minimization Program:
RECYCLING FOR AIRLINES
The airport’s free recycling program and fee-based garbage disposal service give airlines extra incentive to reduce the amount of waste generated on their flights and sort their trash.
$0 COST
Water refill stations
Located beyond security checkpoints
10 fewer tons of bottles in landfills
Concessionaire recycling and composting
Airport pubs, eateries and retailers
Reusable or approved compostable dishware and silverware
Required as of 2017
Airport recycling bins
Cans, bottles, paper
Compost in food courts
Located alongside trash bins
In public areas, employee offices and leased spaces
20 TONS
trash generated daily!
How much trash is generated daily?
WHERE DOES ALL THE AIRPORT GARBAGE GO?
SEA-TAC AIRPORT
EVERY DAY an average of 11,129 flights arrive at and depart from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Nearly 125,000 travelers – roughly the population of Bellevue – pass through the airport daily, many of them grabbing a quick drink or bite to eat along the way. This generates a lot of garbage.
HOW DO
KEEP WASTE OUT OF LANDFILLS?
SEA-TAC AIRPORT, AIRLINES, VENDORS AND PASSENGERS
WRONG
10 tons:
The Port of Seattle estimates these water bottle refill stations prevented 10 tons of disposable water bottles from clogging landfills in 2017.
CORRECT
10 tons:
The Port of Seattle estimates these water bottle refill stations prevented 10 tons of disposable water bottles from clogging landfills in 2017.
B: 3 tons
C: 10 tons
A: None; there are no water refill stations yet
Q: How many disposable water bottles did Sea-Tac’s water refill stations help keep out of landfills last year?
NEXT
WRONG
33%:
Each day brings an average of 125,000 travelers flying through Sea-Tac. In 2017, the passenger terminals generated 7,320 tons of trash.
CORRECT
33%:
Each day brings an average of 125,000 travelers flying through Sea-Tac. In 2017, the passenger terminals generated 7,320 tons of trash.
A: 33%
B: 17%
C: 0%
Q: How much of Sea-Tac’s terminal trash was diverted from landfills through reuse or recycling?
NEXT
WRONG
Converted it to biodiesel fuel :
Last year, Sea-Tac converted 71 tons of used cooking oil from airport restaurants into biodiesel fuel. They also converted used paper towels into a nutrient-rich soil additive for gardening.
CORRECT
Converted it to biodiesel fuel :
Last year, Sea-Tac converted 71 tons of used cooking oil from airport restaurants into biodiesel fuel. They also converted used paper towels into a nutrient-rich soil additive for gardening.
Q: What did Sea-Tac do with 71 tons of cooking oils last year?
A: Created the world’s longest Slip ‘n’ Slide on an unused runway
B: Filtered it to use again
C: Converted it to biodiesel fuel
7320 tons:
Each day brings an average of 125,000 travelers flying through Sea-Tac. In 2017, the passenger terminals generated 7,320 tons of trash.
WRONG
CORRECT
7320 tons:
Each day brings an average of 125,000 travelers flying through Sea-Tac. In 2017, the passenger terminals generated 7,320 tons of trash.
NEXT
C: None. Oscar the Grouch says it’s all treasures.
A: 2340 tons
B: 7320 tons
Q: How many tons of trash are generated at Sea-Tac passenger terminals in a year?
SEE HOW
HELPS THE ENVIRONMENT
THE PORT OF SEATTLE
Duwamish River cleanup projects
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See how Sea-Tac goes green
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Awards of Excellence: Airport businesses making a difference
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HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP
Alaska Airlines is known for sorting through the trash left by its passengers for paper, plastic cups, glass bottles and other recyclables. But not all airlines do this. No matter which carrier you fly, let them know that recycling is important to you.
Do you really need that straw or more than one napkin for your coffee and muffin? Be mindful of how many dining accoutrements you grab. You can always go back for another packet of salt later or ask for an extra napkin on the plane.
It’s never too late to get in the habit of sorting your trash. If you haven’t already, the next time you’re in one of Sea-Tac’s airport terminals or eateries, acquaint yourself with which items go in the clearly marked garbage, recycling and compost bins.
Stop buying a plastic bottle of water each time you fly and start taking a reusable plastic, glass or steel water bottle with you. Sea-Tac’s water bottle refill stations make it easy to refill your bottle after going through security.
Push your airline of choice to recycle.
Only take what you need
Sort your waste
Invest in a reusable water bottle.
The Port of Seattle operates Sea-Tac Airport and is committed to being the greenest, most energy-efficient port in North America because sustainability is good for business, good for our planet, and good for our future. Find out more.