SWACO Inks Deal with Major Airport for Waste Diversion Project

Danielle Jackson

Columbus, Ohio -- The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) has announced a joint waste prevention program with the Columbus Airport Authority to reduce the amount of solid waste that goes from Port Columbus International Airport to the Franklin County sanitary landfill.

At first, the project will cover Port Columbus' terminal building with the voluntary participation of restaurants, retailers and airlines. The program eventually will expand to include airport facilities and tenants outside the terminal building.

With partial funding provided by a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, SWACO worked with Camp, Dresser & McKee (CDM) consultants to characterize stream content, volume and handling at the airport and recommend potential alternatives for waste reduction and recyclables collection. The plan initially targets cardboard, newspaper, magazines, mixed office paper and empty beverage containers for recycling. The airport also is developing an awareness campaign to encourage all visitors to participate.