As part of the City’s Green Vision, San Jose Airport has a goal for Zero Waste by 2022. By implementing composting and recycling programs we are currently diverting 85% of our waste from landfill trash.
Airport environmental staff works closely with food concessions, tenants and janitorial staff to improve waste management at the facility. When the new terminal opened, receptacles were purchased and installed which improve the convenience and accessibility of recycling for passengers.
After researching the benefits of composting and conducting a waste audit of concession kitchens we found that we can compost over 70% of what enters the waste stream. Environmental staff worked closely with concessions, training them to sort food and compostable waste from trash and recyclables. Compostable materials are taken to Z-Best, a nearby Industrial Composting facility, where they are transformed into nutrient rich compost and fertilizer.
By implementing waste reduction measures, the Airport has reduced disposal costs and trash going to the landfill striving for zero waste by 2022.