With an airport the size of Heathrow, waste is a significant environmental issue. We are responsible for managing around 30,000 tonnes of waste produced at Heathrow, most of which is generated by companies involved in cargo handling, retail, flight catering and aircraft maintenance. Our own operations produce about 10% of this total figure.

Reducing waste and recycling more is not only good for the environment but saves us money. As landfill capacity is used up near the airport, waste disposal costs are likely to rise further.

We want to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill from Heathrow by recycling, using resources more efficently and encouraging companies on our airport to do the same. Our approach reflects local and national waste objectives, including those set out in the UK Government’s 2005 Sustainable Development Strategy.