Trimming Our Waste Line
The Port of Seattle takes an active role minimizing waste across our Aviation and Maritime divisions. With tailored services and support for a diverse set of facilities, we strive to reduce waste to landfill across our operating portfolio. Whether at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Cruise Terminals, or other administrative or public access properties, we're working to support the region's waste reduction and recycling priorities.
Besides the provision of composting, recycling and garbage disposal services for each facility, the Port also promotes a robust education and outreach program offering training and other resources on the correct separation and disposal of materials. Specific event waste management guidelines have been created to encourage waste reduction and diversion at internal and public events as well as to influence change beyond the organizational boundaries of the Port.
Airport Recycling Program
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is committed to reducing waste through prevention, recycling and composting activities. Our program manages services, implements innovative strategies, and provides outreach to reduce solid waste generation and ensure proper waste disposal.
SEA’s waste reduction goals include diverting 60% of our terminal waste from landfills, diverting 15% of our airfield waste from landfills, and diverting 90% of our construction project waste from landfills. Passengers and tenants play a vital role in the success of our recycling program.
Passengers are integral in helping us meet our ambitious recycling goals when they take the time to sort their waste properly, using the guidance on waste disposal bins throughout the airport, or when they bring a reusable water bottle. Additionally, new tools such as Oscar, a new AI waste-sorting technology, helps passengers sort their waste items into compost, recycling, or trash bins.
For tenants, a variety of resources for reducing waste and ensuring proper waste disposal are available from SEA’s Environment and Sustainability Department, including sorting guidance, free bins, and educational materials. Additionally, food service ware and recycling requirements govern tenant waste sorting, collection and disposal practices along with allowable types of reusable and single-use food packaging.
Contact SEA's Environment and Sustainability Department at [email protected] or (206) 787-5525.
Maritime Recycling Program
The Maritime division’s Solid Waste Management Program is expanding rapidly in order to to achieve the ambitious waste diversion goal of 60 percent by 2020. Given the diversity of maritime business operations ranging from cruise and commercial fishing operations to recreational boating and general supporting services, the generation and composition of waste streams are unique to every facility and are therefore managed differently. Comprehensive waste audits are performed or each facility allowing enabling us to strategically design and implement targeted recycling solutions.
Contact Senior Environmental Program Manager Michael DeSota at [email protected].
