AUS: Waste Diversion Rates Double in 1 Year

Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) is celebrating one year of partnership with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where diversion rates have more than doubled under TDS supervision. Together, the amount of materials being sent to the landfill has been reduced by 13 percent, compared to the previous provider’s final year of operation.

The company began trash and recycling operations at ABIA in October 2015 to improve diversion rates, which jumped significantly in the first month of service and have continued to increase over the past year. TDS services the entire airport and currently employs five full-time employees who are located onsite. The terminal recycling program collects an average of 52 tons of recyclable material every month, which translates to 15,600 cubic yards over the course of a year.

“Together, TDS and ABIA are committed to diverting waste from the landfill to beneficial uses whenever possible,” said Jen Sembera, Recycling and Composting Coordinator at TDS. “We are excited to continue our partnership with ABIA and help them work toward growing their diversion rates even more and further reducing the impact to our environment.”

To help diversion efforts, ABIA significantly increased the number of terminal recycling containers, and the airport’s blue bag program ensures that recyclables make it to the correct TDS collection container. ABIA also attributes the increased diversion rate to a high level of customer service and improved employee education. TDS has trained all ABIA custodial staff regarding proper recycling and disposal techniques, and will soon expand training to include airline, restaurant and retail employees. The company also introduced new signage in areas such as employee break rooms and luggage carts on the tarmac to encourage good recycling habits.

“TDS and the airport are committed to reducing waste,” said Kane Carpenter, Environmental Services Manager at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “We look forward to working with TDS to exceed next year's waste diversion goals.”

In the near future, TDS will begin composting services at ABIA. All food and beverage vendors will be trained by TDS and ABIA staff and have behind-the-scenes composting stations for compostable waste.