Phoenix Airport and waste reduction

The City of Phoenix owns and operates the Phoenix Airport System which consists of Sky Harbor International Airport, Deer Valley and Goodyear airports. Sky Harbor Airport has three terminals and serves around 41.5 million passengers per annum.

Did you know?

• All City of Phoenix employees have recycling available either by their desk or in common areas, including those working in the aviation department.
• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel is a substitute for petrol or diesel. It is considered to be an environmentally “clean” alternative to those fuels. It is made by compressing methane (CH4) extracted from natural gas.

What we’re doing

• The airport has been actively recycling in one way or another for over 10 years and is currently engaged in a pilot programme to increase recycling.
• The airport is also looking to assist airlines and tenants in their recycling efforts.
• The airport is also converting its ground vehicle fleet so they can use alternative energy sources.

What is the result?

• Last year, airport staff recycled:
• 10 tonnes of cardboard per month
• Around 1 tonne of paper per week
• Over 790 lead-acid batteries
• 660 gallons of anti-freeze
• 2,495 gallons of oils and transmission fluids
• Car batteries, tires, refrigerants, steel, aluminum, fluorescent lamps, asphalt
• Crush oil filters to reduce amount of hazardous waste produce

• Phoenix Airport has converted the following to run on CNG, which reduces emissions:
• All taxis, vans, inter-terminal buses
• 62 buses to rental car facilities
• 186 airport vehicles (72 CNG and 114 combo)

• See the full case study for more activities at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to cut CO₂ emissions.