Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is working closely with its business partners to reduce, reuse and recycle as much waste generated at HKIA as possible. It is our goal to separate and process all the recyclables we can handle hygienically within 10 years.

Waste separation at source

As early as 2003, we started turning food waste collected from restaurants in our terminals into soil conditioner for the airport's landscaping. In 2011 we scaled up this recycling programme by sending additional food waste to an off-site plant, where it is converted into fish meal. Soon after this we extended our food waste collection to other airport business partners, including airline caterers, hotels and cargo terminals.

We also collect used cooking oil to produce biodiesel for airport vehicles, which can reduce smoke emissions by up to 50%. In fact, all of the Airport Authority's diesel vehicles now use biodiesel (B5), a mixture of 5% bio-diesel and 95% conventional diesel.

HKIA makes every effort to turn waste into useful materials. In 2011-2012 we recycled nearly 3,000 tonnes of waste, an increase of over 70% from 2010-2011. Recycled materials include cardboard, paper, metal, plastic, glass bottles, food waste, wooden pallets, vehicle tyres, lubricating oil, fluorescent tubes, toner, batteries and waste cooking oil.

To facilitate waste separation at source, over 70 recycling bins are now available for passengers across the terminals.

Wastewi$e

HKIA has participated in the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department's Wastewi$e programme since 2003. In 2011 we achieved the Wastewi$e Label's "Class of Excellence" (formerly known as the Gold Wastewi$e Label) as recognised by the Environmental Campaign Committee. This is the eighth time we have won this award.

Waste Recycling Performance

Remarks:
"Others" include glass, metal, waste cooking oil, wood, tyres, lubricating oil, fluorscent tubes, toners, etc.