Microsoft Word - 09 DTW Case Example

$SSHQGL[ :D\QH&RXQW\$LUSRUW$XWKRULW\'HWURLW0HWURSROLWDQ$LUSRUW&DVH([DPSOH



Appendix 9

Wayne County Airport Authority

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)



Detroit, Michigan



The Wayne County Airport Authority is committed to environmentally responsible operations at Detroit

Metropolitan Airport (DTW), including waste reduction. The Authority’s Department of Environment &

Sustainability Mission Statement guides measures to decrease DTW’s impact on future generations. DTW

has an established sustainability program which includes a goal to increase recycling and landfill diversion.

The Authority maintains a waste management program in the buildings and areas under its control, including

its offices, work areas, buildings, and grounds. Authority staff support sustainable strategies for areas and

activities controlled by other stakeholders.



The Department of Environment & Sustainability has primary responsibility for recycling and other diversion

programs at DTW. The Sustainability Program Administrator develops procedures; provides training and

education to employees and tenants; and coordinates with stakeholders to continuously improve recycling

and diversion efforts. Janitorial, cabin cleaning, and waste/recycling collection services are provided by

third-party contractors. Some are contracted directly by the Authority, while others are contracted by an

airline consortium, individual airlines, or a facility maintenance company.



The Maintenance Department administers and funds the waste collection contracts; waste activities are

funded and monitored by the Maintenance Department while the Department of Environment

& Sustainability funds and monitors recycling, composting, and related education. The Department of

Environment & Sustainability receives recycling quantity data from the collection contractor. Waste

generation quantities are estimated from container sizes, collection schedules, visual observations, and

previous studies/audits.



Authority employees have access to recycling for paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, batteries

and lightbulbs; these programs have high employee participation and employees provide feedback and

ideas for improvement of the program. Much of the paper purchased for employee use has recycled content.

The Authority’s employee recycling procedure is included at the end of this case example; this procedure is

the basis for recycling training during the employee on-boarding process and on-going education.

Employees also receive emails about recycling and waste practices. Authority staff recently relocated to a

new administration building. Office paper generated by the relocation of Authority staff was recycled. Prior

to the move, monthly paper recycling totaled between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds. For one month during the

move, the total reached 49,000 pounds. The Authority also offered the surplus furniture from the former site

at auction.



During a recent campaign, the Authority’s Department of Environment & Sustainability issued all employees

reusable beverage tumblers (Figure 1) to decrease use of single serve containers (disposable water bottles,

coffee cups, etc.). The tumblers feature the Authority’s sustainability logo. Tumblers have also been

distributed during new employee on-boarding and in summer intern welcome packages; to date,

approximately 900 tumblers have been distributed.

Over the course of their summer employment, interns in the Department of Environment & Sustainability

conducted visual inspections of exterior dumpsters and noted the volume of materials as well as unusual

items. Through this program, it was discovered that the facility’s Public Safety Building generated a

significant volume of cardboard. In response, the Authority coordinated with their recycling collection

contractor to provide cardboard collection in this area. Once this program was in place, employees stationed

in this building expressed their surprise at the amount of cardboard generated; the addition of this

infrastructure raised employee awareness of the materials generated by their activities and the Authority’s

overall recycling program.



The Department of Environment & Sustainability contracted for a waste composition study to identify

strategies to increase landfill diversion. The Authority also developed an Airport Recycling, Reuse, and

Waste Reduction Plan (included at the end of this case example) under their Airport Master Plan.



Recycling bins and garbage cans in DTW’s McNamara Terminal are provided by the airline and

subcontractor operating this facility; they include conjoined bins for recycling and waste streams as well as

standalone cans (Figures 2 and 3). Waste generated from the terminal buildings is collected in a system of

dumpsters and compactors. The recycling compactors at the McNamara Terminal are located outside the

building and access to them is restricted to supervisors from the building maintenance contractor through a

standard key.



The Department of Environment & Sustainability conducts training for tenant employees and hosts meetings

with tenants on specific strategies. Waste and recycling services are included in the tenants’ lease rates.

Some of DTW’s airlines participate in the recycling program, including recycling materials from deplaned

waste.



Standard drinking fountains in the North Terminal are being replaced with drinking fountains featuring bottle

refill stations (Figure 4). This replacement is being phased in waves and will eventually feature new signage

alerting passengers to the availability of these fixtures. The Authority’s McNamara Terminal and new

administration building also feature bottle refill stations.



The Authority implemented a food rescue program primarily to address social responsibility; however, this

program also diverts material from the landfill. The Authority applied for and received a grant from the

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to support the food rescue program. Concessionaires and

airline lounges set aside edible food items which are collected and donated to a local non-profit organization

for distribution to those in need. The Authority purchased a cooler for this program (Figure 5). Other items,

such as toiletries, can also be donated through this program. The Authority is working with program

stakeholders to institutionalize the program to ensure its continuation through changes in contractors and

personnel and other transitions.



Looking ahead, the Authority is planning on expanding its recently implemented coffee grounds composting

program for food and beverage tenants to its new administration building. DTW is also evaluating strategies

outlined in the sustainability plan; composition study; and recycling, reuse and waste reduction plan.



)LJXUH5HXVDEOHEHYHUDJHWXPEOHUVSURYLGHGWR$XWKRULW\HPSOR\HHV

FRXUWHV\RI:D\QH&RXQW\$LUSRUW$XWKRULW\ 



)LJXUH7HUPLQDOFRQMRLQHGELQVIRUUHF\FOLQJDQGZDVWHVWUHDPVDVZHOODVVWDQGDORQHFDQV

FRXUWHV\RI:D\QH&RXQW\$LUSRUW$XWKRULW\ 



)LJXUH7HUPLQDOFRQMRLQHGELQVIRUUHF\FOLQJDQGZDVWHVWUHDPVDVZHOODVVWDQGDORQHFDQV

FRXUWHV\RI:D\QH&RXQW\$LUSRUW$XWKRULW\





)LJXUH7HUPLQDOERWWOHUHILOOVWDWLRQFRXUWHV\RI:D\QH&RXQW\$LUSRUW$XWKRULW\



)LJXUH&RROHUIRUIRRGGRQDWLRQSURJUDPFRXUWHV\RI:D\QH&RXQW\$LUSRUW$XWKRULW\



Report

Prepared by

Airport Recycling, Reuse,

and Waste ReducƟon Plan

[&/E>]

DĂǇ2017

DETROIT

METROPOLITAN

AIRPORT

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Table of Contents







TableofContents

TableofContents............................................................................................................................... ........................ii



Figures............................................................................................................................... ........................................iii



Tables............................................................................................................................... ..........................................iii



ExecutiveSummary............................................................................................................................... ....................1



Introduction............................................................................................................................... ........................2



RegulatoryBackgroundandProjectPurpose................................................................................................2



AirportDescription............................................................................................................................... .........2



WasteDefinitionsandPlanFocus................................................................................................................. 3



KeyAirportBuildingsandPlanScope............................................................................................................ 4



ExistingProgram............................................................................................................................... .................7



Drivers........................................................................................................................ ....................................7



OperationandMaintenanceRequirements,Roles andResponsibilities......................................................7



Infrastructure................................................................................................................. ................................9



Recycling,Reuse,andWasteReductionEfforts.......................................................................................... 11



WasteAudit............................................................................................................................... ......................13



Sources............................................................................................................................... .........................13



Quantity............................................................................................................................... ........................13



Performance............................................................................................................................... .................14



Composition............................................................................................................................... .................15



PurchasingPractices............................................................................................................................... .....18



ReviewofWasteManagementContracts....................................................................................................... 19



WasteContracts............................................................................................................................... ...........20



RecyclingContracts............................................................................................................................... ......20



HousekeepingContracts.............................................................................................................................. 20



TenantLeases............................................................................................................................... ...............20



RecyclingFeasibility............................................................................................................................... ..........21



CommitmentandSupport ........................................................................................................................... 21



TechnicalandEconomicFactors................................................................................................................. 23



Federal,State,andLocalPoliciesandGuidelines....................................................................................... 28



CostSavingsandRevenueGeneration............................................................................................................ 32



Recommendations............................................................................................................................... ............34



ObjectivesandTargets............................................................................................................................... .34



TrackingandReporting...................................................................................................................... ..........35



ReduceandReuse............................................................................................................................... ........36



RecyclingandComposting........................................................................................................................... 39



EducationandOutreach.............................................................................................................................. 42



ContainersandBins............................................................................................................................... ......44



SignageandLabeling............................................................................................................................... ....45



OtherRecommendations............................................................................................................................ 46



ContinuousImprovement........................................................................................................................... 47



RecommendationsSummary...................................................................................................................... 48



Conclusion............................................................................................................................... ........................50



 Appendices

............................................................................................................................... .........................51





iii

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Table of Contents

Figures

Figure 1: North Terminal Recycling Bins and Garbage Cans ............................................................ 9

Figure 2: McNamara Terminal Recycling Bins and Garbage Can ................................................... 10

Figure 3: Waste Stream Composition - DTW North Terminal Public/Passenger

and Airline Spaces ....................................................................................................... 16

Figure 4: Waste Stream Composition - DTW McNamara Terminal (Overall) ................................ 17

Figure 5: Waste Management Hierarchy (left) and Food Recovery Hierarchy (right) ................... 28

Figure 6: Example Donation Collection at McCarran International Airport (LAS) .......................... 38

Tables

Table 1: Areas and Activities at DTW – Waste Management ........................................................... 6

Table 2: Summary of Recycling in Smith Building 14

Table 3: Summary of monthly recycling rates at the North and McNamara Terminals..……………..15

Table 4: Materials Accepted in Area Recycling Programs ............................................................. 24

Table 5: DTW Recycling and Other Waste Management Recommendations……………………………..49

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Executive Summary

The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) is in the process of completing an Airport Master Plan

Update for Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) requires that this effort include a feasibility analysis for

solid waste and recycling. To meet this requirement, the consultant assessed DTW’s existing recycling

program and developed recommendations to divert waste from the landfill through strategies such as

waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

DTW currently has a waste management program for several materials at buildings that WCAA controls.

In addition, various stakeholders have implemented recycling and other waste management strategies

at buildings not controlled by the WCAA. By conducting facility walk-throughs, waste composition

studies, interviews with WCAA staff, and discussions with various Airport tenants, the consultant

documented existing practices to identify potential opportunities to increase and improve recycling

participation. This information formed the basis for recommendations for DTW’s operations, waste

streams, and other influencing factors. Willow Run Airport (YIP) is included in some of the descriptions

because some of the WCAA’s contracts and programs also include YIP.

Highlights of these recommendations include:

x Establish goals and objectives

x Track and communicate progress

x Consider installing liquid collection stations at security checkpoints

x Evaluate the opportunity to collect and donate unopened food, beverages, and toiletries

x Continue plastic, aluminum, and paper recycling and food-recovery programs

x Expand recycling to other areas, including deplaned airline waste

x Continue to reuse materials and other items where possible

x Implement simple education program for employees, tenants, and contractors

x Co-locate recycling stations and garbage cans

x Expand and improve signage, specifically at security checkpoints

x Consider improvements to contracts and leases and purchasing policy and practices

x Maintain and improve recycling programs following the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle

The range of these recommendations gives the WCAA and program stakeholders the flexibility to

implement those strategies that are most compatible with changing conditions and available resources

(such as labor and space), and progressively increase landfill diversion over time through a phased

program of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Introduction

1. Introduction

A. Regulatory Background and Project Purpose

Section 132(b) of the FAA FMRA expanded the definition of airport planning to include “developing a

plan for recycling and minimizing the generation of airport solid waste.” FMRA Section 133 added a

requirement that addresses waste management. This requirement applies to airports planning to

prepare or update a master plan, or with a completed master plan, that receive Airport Improvement

Program (AIP) funding for an eligible project. Airports fitting these criteria are to ensure that new or

updated master plans address issues related to solid waste recycling: 1) assess the feasibility of solid

waste recycling, 2) minimize the generation of solid waste, 3) define operational and maintenance

requirements, 4) review waste management contracts, and 5) evaluate the potential for cost savings or

revenue generation.

In September 2014, the FAA released a memorandum titled “Guidance on Airport Recycling, Reuse, and

Waste Reduction Plans.” This memo details the FAA’s expectations and suggestions for an airport’s

recycling plan. This guidance applies to Federally-obligated airports preparing or updating a master plan,

carrying out other planning efforts, or undertaking a standalone recycling project.

The scope and nature of an airport’s waste and recycling program and associated plan depend on several

factors that include: the airport size, location and layout; the amount and type of waste generated;

markets for recyclable commodities; costs for recycling; available local infrastructure; and the willingness

of an airport and its tenants to implement recycling and other strategies.

In compliance with FMRA and in accordance with the FAA’s guidance memo, this Airport Recycling,

Reuse, and Waste Reduction Plan (Plan) was developed for DTW as part of the on-going Airport Master

Plan Update project. This Plan documents and assesses DTW’s existing waste and recycling program

based on the factors and variables listed above and provides recommendations for improvement. The

content of this Plan was governed by the extent and accuracy of available information.

B. Airport Description

DTW is a commercial service, large-hub primary airport. The WCAA has operational jurisdiction for the

management of DTW and can implement facility or policy changes and influence use, cost, and

operation.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Introduction

DTW is located in the City of Romulus, Michigan, in Wayne County, 20 miles west of Detroit and 25 miles

east of Ann Arbor. More information about DTW, including operations, activity levels and airline

information, can be found on DTW’s website (www.Metroairport.com) and in the Assessment of Existing

Conditions section of DTW Airport Master Plan Update Report.

C. Waste Definitions and Plan Focus

The focus of this plan is on Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), which consists of everyday items that are used

and then discarded. The following five primary types of MSW are generated at airports:

a. General MSW consists of common inorganic waste, such as product packaging, disposable

utensils, plates and cups, bottles, and newspaper. Less common items, such as furniture

and clothing, are also considered General MSW.

b. Food waste is either food that is not consumed or the waste generated and discarded

during food preparation.

c. Green waste consists of tree, shrub and grass clippings, leaves, weeds, small branches,

seeds, pods, and similar debris generated by landscape maintenance. Green waste and

food waste together may be referred to as “compostables.”

d. Deplaned waste is MSW that is removed from passenger aircraft. These materials include

bottles and cans, newspaper and mixed paper, plastic cups, service ware, food waste,

food soiled paper, and paper towels.

e. Construction and Demolition Waste (C&D) is generally categorized as MSW and is any

non-hazardous solid waste from land clearing, excavation, and/or the construction,

demolition, renovation or repair of structures, roads, and utilities. C&D waste commonly

includes concrete, wood, metals, drywall, carpet, plastic, pipes, land clearing debris,

cardboard, and salvaged building components.

This Plan focuses on the management of MSW and other materials such as cans, paper, cardboard etc.

that can be recycled or disposed of in a landfill. This Plan does not address the management of other

types of waste, specifically hazardous waste, universal waste (batteries, fluorescent light bulbs/ballasts,

etc.), industrial waste (used solvents, etc.), or waste deplaned from international flights, which is

regulated by separate federal, state, and local laws. C&D debris that is subject to special requirements

and requires special handling is also not included in this Plan.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Introduction

D. Key Airport Buildings and Plan Scope

DTW is a large facility encompassing numerous buildings and associated infrastructure. More

information about each of the buildings at DTW is available in the Airport Master Plan Update Report.

The WCAA has direct control of waste management in several buildings and areas at DTW, and has

influence, but not direct control, over several others. Per FAA guidance, areas over which the Airport

Sponsor (in this case, the WCAA) has direct control or influence should be included in the recycling,

reuse, and waste reduction plan, while areas outside Airport Sponsor control or influence may be

excluded.

Table 1 summarizes the areas at DTW under the control or influence of the WCAA. The WCAA has control

over waste management in spaces dedicated for WCAA use, such as offices, and those where the WCAA

employees work, such as the buildings and grounds maintenance areas and the areas staffed by the

WCAA firefighting and public safety employees.

The WCAA’s influence is through agreements and contracts for activities related to waste management

in numerous leased areas, including those in the North Terminal and other buildings, while Delta Air

Lines (Delta) operates and is responsible for activities in the McNamara Terminal. The WCAA has a

contract for joint management of the North Terminal with the Detroit Airlines’ North Terminal

Consortium (DANTeC). On behalf of the North Terminal airlines, DANTeC contracts with waste hauling

contractors and janitorial service providers for back of house spaces, while the WCAA contracts for these

services within the public and WCAA-operated areas of this building. In the McNamara Terminal, Delta

is responsible for waste management, including the contracting of janitorial, cabin cleaning, and waste

hauling contractors.

In addition to the airlines, the WCAA leases space to food service providers, rental car agencies, and a

hotel company. These tenants manage waste in their areas, either directly or through a contractor. The

WCAA also leases space to a fixed base operator and several cargo companies who are responsible for

the waste generated in their areas. Tenant leases are managed by the WCAA’s Department of Concession

and Quality Assurance.

Areas at DTW where the WCAA has limited control or influence include the Airport Traffic Control Tower

operated by the FAA and spaces occupied by US Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation

Security Administration (TSA), and other federal agencies; therefore, all of these are excluded from the

Plan.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Introduction

Due to the scale of operations and waste generation at DTW, the scope of this Plan focuses on the largest

generators/centers of waste (the passenger terminals) and the areas where the WCAA has the most

control or influence and can implement strategies (the WCAA offices). The items under control of WCAA

are underlined in Table 1.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Introduction

Table 1: Waste Management Areas and Activities at DTW

Under WCAA Control

Under WCAA Influence

Outside WCAA Control or Influence*

x WCAA Offices in Smith Building (603) and

elsewhere at Airport

x Future WCAA Offices (new office building)

x WCAA

Building Maintenance areas in each

terminal, including storage and office spaces

x Non-

leased terminal space, including space for

building systems and utilities

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Facilities

(802, 509, and 737)

x WCAA Public Safety (351)

x Airport Maintenance Facility (703)

x Vehicle Equipment Repair Facility (704)

x Snow R

emoval Equipment Storage Facility

(705)

x Facilities Field Office (349)

WCAA Maintenance Facility (Previous

Northwest Hangar, 711)

Ground Support Equipment Fuel Facilities (823

and 472)

x Fuel Pumping Station (282)

x Ground Transportation Facilities – one in ea

terminal’s parking structure

x Parking Areas –

two terminal garages, surface

lots, cell phone lots, and employee parking

areas

x Berry Terminal Building

x Former GA hangar

and Maintenance Building

(ASIG, 356 and 357)

x Old Executive Terminal/Hangar (348)

x McNamara Terminal – Delta

x North Terminal – WCAA and DANTeC

x Terminal Restaurant Areas (both terminals) – concession tenants

x Terminal Retail Areas (both terminals) – retail tenants

x Terminal Restrooms (both terminals)

x Terminal Airline Spaces, including baggage clai

ms, baggage handling,

office space, operational space, departure lounges, passenger gates, and

ticket counters – various airlines

x Airport Hotel - Westin

x Car Rental Facilities – Budget-Payless, Hertz-Firefly, Avis, Alamo-

National,

Dollar-Thrifty, and Enterprise

x Airline Catering and Flight Kitchen (505) – Delta/LSG Sky Chefs

x FedEx Maintenance (714)

x Delta Equipment Repair, Prospect Airport Services (820)

x Aircraft Maintenance Facilities – Delta (516, 518, and 715) and Spirit (

719)

x Deicing Control Facilities (D

elta 430 and 470, Integrated Deicing Services

538-A, 532, and 600)

x Fuel Farm and Offices – Delta (720A-F, 720G, 722)

x Waste Disposal and Triturator Buildings (527 and 822) –

DANTeC and

Delta

x Air Cargo Facilities – UPS (427), Delta Cargo (536, 536-A, 514 w

ith

Swissport), FedEx (723, 714), USPS, DHL Express

x Combined Use Air Cargo Building –

Southwest Airlines and Air General

(614)

x Fixed Base Operator – Signature Flight Support (530, 408)

x Hangars – Endeavor Air/Delta (359), Signature (360), Olympia Avi

ation

(400), Masco Flight Operations (406), and Skywest (425)

x HSS Security (351)

x Construction and Demolition Projects - Contractor

x Airport Traffic Control Tower – FAA

x Federal Inspection Service Facilities -

US Customs

and Border Protection

x Security Screening Areas and Offices –

TSA,

including two checkpoints at North Terminal, five

at McNamara Terminal

Key: Areas of focus for this plan (Building #)

*excluded from Airport Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction Plan

Source: WCAA Existing Airport Layout Drawing, Updated September 30, 2016

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Existing Program

2. Existing Program

The WCAA maintains a recycling program that includes several stakeholders and addresses waste

generation at both DTW and the WCAA’s second airport, Willow Run Airport (YIP). This section of the

Plan describes the elements of this program.

A. Drivers

Recycling and conscientious waste management at DTW is driven by the WCAA’s commitment to

environmentally responsible operations and is guided by the WCAA’s Department of Environment &

Sustainability (E&S Department) Mission Statement:

Ensuring that current WCAA operations comply in letter and spirit with applicable

environmental regulations, including holding non-compliant parties accountable for their

actions.

Collaboratively planning with, and educating internal and external stakeholders toward

implementing efficient, sustainable measures to decrease the Airports’ impact on future

generations.

The WCAA has devoted resources, including financial and employee labor, to establishing and

promoting a recycling program in its offices and to designing strategies to address waste generation at

both DTW and YIP. Although YIP is not specifically included in the scope of this Plan, certain waste

streams from that airport are incorporated into DTW’s program, and therefore, are mentioned in this

Plan because they play a role in the decisions necessary to implement changes.

B. Operation and Maintenance Requirements, Roles and Responsibilities

Wayne County Airport Authority Areas

The E&S Department is responsible for implementing a recycling program in the WCAA-controlled areas

at DTW and YIP through the following key roles and responsibilities:

x The E&S Department Director supports sustainability and environmental compliance efforts

throughout the organization, allocating resources and reporting on performance to others within

the WCAA.

x The Sustainability Program Administrator developed and instituted a written Recycling Policy

(see Appendix H1: Wayne County Airport Authority Workplace Recycling Policy); provides

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Existing Program

training and education to WCAA and tenant staff about this policy and the program; and manages

the WCAA’s food recovery program.

x The Senior Administrative Analyst maintains records of recycling and waste data as provided by

the recycling collection contractor.

x WCAA employees are responsible for following the WCAA’s Recycling Policy in their work areas.

The WCAA contracts with Diverse Facility Solutions (DFS) for janitorial services in the WCAA offices at

DTW. DFS is responsible for transferring waste and plastic recyclables generated in these areas to the

appropriate dumpsters and containers at the building. WCAA employees are responsible for transferring

paper and cardboard to the correct dumpsters. A waste hauling contractor, currently Waste

Management, Inc., collects the garbage from the Smith Building. A separate contractor, currently Royal

Oak Recycling, collects the recyclable materials from this building.

North Terminal

The WCAA and DANTeC are jointly responsible for waste management at the North Terminal, including

contracting for janitorial services, currently provided by ISS Facility Services (ISS), and waste hauling,

currently provided by Waste Management, Inc. ISS collects waste materials from airline, tenant, and

public spaces and transfers them to the dumpsters and compactors. Waste Management, Inc. removes

these containers for disposal. Each airline in the North Terminal contracts with a third-party company

for aircraft cabin cleaning. Royal Oak Recycling collects paper generated in this terminal.

McNamara Terminal

Delta contracts with ABM for its facility maintenance. Together, Delta and ABM are responsible for waste

management at the McNamara Terminal; they contract with DFS for janitorial, and with Advanced

Disposal for waste hauling. DFS collects waste and recyclable materials from airline, tenant, and public

spaces and transfers them to the appropriate dumpsters and compactors. Advanced Disposal collects

the materials in the dumpsters for processing and disposal. Prospect Airport Services (Prospect) is Delta’s

current contractor for aircraft cabin cleaning services.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Existing Program

C. Infrastructure

Waste and recycling infrastructure is a critical part of waste management. The waste management

infrastructure used by the WCAA includes recycling bins, garbage cans, dumpsters, and compactors.

Recycling Bins and Garbage Cans

WCAA office areas and each of the passenger terminals are equipped with numerous recycling bins and

garbage cans. In the WCAA areas, employees have individual recycling bins and garbage cans in their

offices and also have access to containers in common areas, such as meeting rooms and restrooms.

In the North Terminal, a network of round, grey garbage cans and recycling bins are located throughout

the public and passenger areas. These containers were introduced in 2008 when the terminal opened,

and the WCAA is in the process of replacing these containers. This process is described in more detail in

Appendix H2: Detroit Metropolitan Airport North Terminal Waste Composition Study: Results and

Recommendations Report. The North Terminal’s current recycling containers are pictured in Figure 1.

Figure 1: North Terminal Recycling Bins and Garbage Cans

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Existing Program

In the McNamara Terminal, a

network of recycling stations and

standalone garbage cans for

passenger use are located

throughout the facility. These

containers were introduced in

2010. These containers are

described in more detail in

Appendix H3: Detroit

Metropolitan Airport McNamara

Terminal Waste Composition

Study: Results and

Recommendations Report. The

McNamara Terminal’s recycling

stations are pictured in Figure 2.

Figure 2: McNamara Terminal Recycling Bins and Garbage Can

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Existing Program

Dumpsters and Compactors

There are four garbage dumpsters/compactors in the North Terminal. There are more than 20 dumpsters

and compactors for garbage and four for recycling at the McNamara Terminal. The recycling compactors

are located outside the building and locked, restricting access only to ABM’s supervisors who are issued

a standard key. There is also one empty trash room which could be used in the future for expanding

recycling facilities, if needed.

D. Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction Efforts

WCAA Offices

The WCAA employees stationed at the Smith Building and in other WCAA areas at DTW currently recycle

office paper, newspapers, and magazines; cardboard; plastic bottles; batteries; toner cartridges; and

scrap metal. WCAA employees located at YIP separate paper, metal, and e-waste on-site, which is then

delivered to the Smith Building and combined with the materials generated at WCAA areas at DTW. To

further advance the WCAA’s commitment to reducing waste, and in celebration of Earth Day in 2016,

WCAA issued all employees reusable beverage tumblers to decrease use of single serve containers

(disposable water bottles, coffee cups, etc.).

Green Waste, Construction and Demolition Waste, and Other Programs

The WCAA also manages waste generated by landscaping and construction activities, universal waste,

and hazardous waste.

During construction and major infrastructure projects at DTW, WCAA requires contractors to reuse C&D

waste, such as asphalt, concrete, aggregate, and other materials wherever possible. C&D waste is not

included in the volume or weight calculations detailed in this Plan.

North Terminal

As noted in the North Terminal Waste Composition Study report, this building has experienced issues

with passenger/public area recycling bins being relocated without authorization and with contamination

of recyclable materials by non-recyclable garbage. Due to these challenges, potentially recyclable

materials generated in the public areas of this terminal are currently disposed of as waste.

Several airlines in the North Terminal contract for collecting and shredding of office paper. In addition,

airline employees collect and return aluminum cans under the State’s beverage container refund

program.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Existing Program

McNamara Terminal

Passengers traveling through DTW’s McNamara Terminal can recycle plastic beverage containers;

aluminum cans; and paper items such as newspapers, magazines, and printer paper. Deplaned

recyclables from inbound domestic flights are intended to be transferred to a recycling

dumpster/compactor for collecting and processing. Lapses in this practice may occur during especially

busy periods, for example during poor weather or other events that cause delays for inbound flights.

Delta employees recycle paper and collect aluminum cans for return under the refund program.

Tenant Efforts

In addition to the recycling programs operated by the WCAA, DANTeC, and Delta, tenants leasing or

otherwise using space at DTW, including the Westin Hotel, FAA tower, TSA, cargo companies, and several

others, contract with housekeeping and/or waste management service providers, and may be recycling

on their own through these agreements.

Bradford Logistics manages certain recyclables under its contract with Delta to provide centralized

receiving and distribution services at the McNamara Terminal. This includes delivery of Royal Oak

Recycling bins for paper recycling to terminal tenants that have requested the service, and coordination

of bin collection. In the past, this was a free service for the tenants. However, because of challenges

related to contamination of the collected paper, the program is now focused on areas with cleaner

streams and a fee has been implemented for this service.

Previously, a program for recycling cardboard from tenant operations was implemented in association

with the Westin Hotel’s cardboard collection program that used Royal Oak Recycling. The program was

subsequently suspended due to cost. There have been recent discussions about resurrecting this

program in light of the prevalence of cardboard in the McNamara terminal’s waste stream, estimated by

one study to be 18 percent. Bradford Logistics and ABM have expressed interest in providing the labor

for collecting this material onsite, and Delta has expressed interest in funding its pickup and transfer by

Advanced Disposal to Royal Oak Recycling’s facility. The proceeds of this program were proposed to be

returned to Bradford Logistics. As of the time of this writing, the program has not been implemented.

Restaurants at both terminals employ dedicated containers for waste grease that Bradford Logistics staff

empty into a large tank. Collected grease is recycled by a specialized contractor. The McNamara Terminal

generates approximately 1,500 gallons of liquid cooking grease and 600 gallons of solid grill scrapings

(collected in five gallon pails) each year.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Waste Audit

3. Waste Audit

WCAA, DANTeC, and Delta staff provided information about areas at DTW that generate waste, the types

of waste generated in each area, the collection schedule for waste materials, and the materials that can

be recycled under the current programs. These representatives have informally observed passenger and

employee waste and recycling related behaviors and, for the purpose of this Plan, provided descriptions

of how waste flows through DTW based on these observations. They also described waste and recycling

collection and hauling practices. This section identifies the waste sources, quantities of waste by focus

area, record of performance, composition of the waste streams, and purchasing practices.

A. Sources

All of the buildings and areas listed in Table 1: Areas and Activities at DTW – Waste Management found

in Section 1D: Key Airport Buildings and Plan Scope are potential sources of waste and recyclable

materials. In addition, recyclable materials generated at WCAA offices at YIP are delivered to the Smith

Building at DTW and combined with recyclables generated from the WCAA DTW offices.

The Detroit area is home to teams for four major professional sports, and several museums and historical

attractions tied to the auto industry and Motown music. The area also hosts several nationally promoted

annual events, including the North American International Auto Show and the Detroit Grand Prix. These

attractions and events, as well as the holiday travel seasons, may drive peaks in passenger volumes and

waste generation at DTW.

B. Quantity

WCAA Offices

According to information provided by Royal Oak Recycling via WCAA’s E&S Department, 15.6 tons of

recyclable paper, plastics, and cardboard were collected from WCAA offices in the Smith Building during

fiscal year 2015 (October 2014 through September 2015); 26.6 tons were collected during fiscal year

2016 (October 2015 through September 2016). During the first five months of fiscal year 2017 (October

2016 through February 2017), 10.6 tons of recyclables had been collected from the Smith Building. Based

on this information, WCAA generates about 2 tons of recyclables each month. Table 2

According to Royal Oak’s data, 74.8 tons of metal were collected from WCAA areas in fiscal year 2016

and 19.5 tons had been collected between October 2016 and February 2017. This equals approximately

5 tons of metal generated each month.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Waste Audit

Table 2. Summary of recycling in Smith Building

Smith Building

Fiscal Year 2015

Fiscal Year 2016

Fiscal Year 2017 (first five

months)

Tons of recycling collected

15.6

26.6

10.6

Source: Royal Oak Recycling, 2016

North Terminal

Information provided by WCAA’s E&S Department indicates that the North Terminal generates

approximately 1,550 tons of waste per year, or approximately 129 tons per month.

Data provided by Royal Oak Recycling show that approximately 2.8 tons of recyclable paper was

collected from the North Terminal between May and September 2016, and 0.9 tons was collected

between October 2016 and February 2017. Based on this information, the North Terminal is separating

approximately 0.4 tons of collected recyclable paper per month.

McNamara Terminal

Information provided by Delta indicates that the McNamara Terminal generates approximately 7,540

tons of waste and 3.8 tons of recyclable material, but excluding paper, each year. These values are

approximately equal to 628 tons of waste and 0.3 tons of recyclables per month.

Data from Royal Oak Recycling show 18.9 tons of recyclable paper collected from Bradford Logistics

between May and September 2016, and 26.5 tons collected between October 2016 and February 2017.

Based on this information, the McNamara Terminal is separating about 4.5 tons of recyclable paper each

month. This is in addition to the other recyclables described above.

C. Performance

Based on the quantity information above, the recycling rates for the North Terminal and McNamara

Terminal are shown in Table 3. The recycling rate for the WCAA offices at DTW are not included in the

table because total waste quantities were not available at the time of this writing.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Waste Audit

Table 3. Summary of monthly recycling rates at the North and McNamara Terminals.

Terminal

Monthly Waste

Generated (including

recyclables)

(tons/month)

Monthly Recyclables

Separated

(tons/month)

Effective Recycling

Rate

North Terminal

129.4

0.4

0.3%

McNamara Terminal

632.8

4.8

0.8%

It should be noted that these figures do not account for paper collected by third party contractors for

shredding, aluminum cans returned for refund, or recycling of C&D debris.

D. Composition

Waste composition studies were conducted at each terminal to obtain a detailed understanding of the

waste stream at DTW. Appendices B and C contain the results and recommendation reports for these

projects.

Figures 3 and 4 show the composition of the terminals’ waste streams included in the study efforts.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Waste Audit

Figure 3: Waste Stream Composition - DTW North Terminal Public/Passenger and Airline Spaces

Plastic, 5.58%

Cardboard, 3.67%

Paper , 10.25%

Aluminum, 0.74%

Metals, 0.03%

Scrap Metal, 0.08%

Liquids, 19.31%

Paper Products,

10.35%

Food Waste,

10.35%

Unopened

Beverage, 1.73%

Unopened Water,

1.00%

Recoverable Food,

0.06%

Unopened

Toiletries, 0.02%

Other Waste,

34.88%

Toiletries, 0.69%

Glass, 0.91%

Styrofoam, 0.36%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Waste Audit

Figure 4: Waste Stream Composition - DTW McNamara Terminal (Overall)

Plastic, 1, 0.69%

Cardboard,

Paper , 5.85%

Aluminum, 1.49%

Metals, 0.28%

Liquids, 15.85%

Paper Products,

4.43%

Food Waste,

19.56%

Other Waste,

41.22%

Glass, 2.35%

Styrofoam, 0.36%

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

100.00%

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Waste Audit

E. Purchasing Practices

Information on the WCAA and tenant purchasing practices was not available for review at the time of

this writing. Reviewing purchase histories can help identify supplies and materials that are contributing

to the waste stream and may be replaced with durable/multi-use alternatives. Some examples are

ceramic coffee mugs, bulk cleaning supplies, and cleaning textiles that are laundered instead of being

thrown away.

Future collection and evaluation of purchasing practices by WCAA, DANTeC, Delta, restaurant and retail

tenants, and other operators at DTW would provide a basis for assessing the potential for purchasing

alternative supplies and products to reduce quantities of material for landfill disposal.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Review of Waste Management Contracts

4. Review of Waste Management Contracts

As noted in Section 1B: Airport Description, FMRA lists the review of waste management contracts as

an element of addressing solid waste recycling at an airport. The FAA memorandum titled “Guidance on

Airport Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction Plans” explains that the purpose of reviewing these

contracts is to “identify opportunities for improving [recycling] program scope and efficiency, as well as

identify constraints” and notes that “this information can signal the airport’s next opportunity to add

recycling, reuse, and waste reduction objectives to existing leases and contracts.”

The specific information relative to the expiration, extension and/or renewal dates of DTW’s numerous

leases was not reviewed under this project. However, as these contracts come up, it would be worth a

review to identify opportunities add recycling, reuse, and waste reduction objectives to these leases and

contracts.

A. Waste Contracts

WCAA Waste Management Contract

WCAA issued Requests for Bids (RFBs) for dumpster and roll-off trash removal services at WCAA

managed spaces at DTW and YIP in 2004, 2007, 2010, and 2015. Waste Management was awarded this

work in 2007, 2010, and 2015. The 2015 contract expires after five years. Under this contract, the

included dumpsters are serviced on a scheduled basis and charged per pick up. Recycling services are

not included in this contract.

DANTeC Waste Management Contract

DANTeC provided a copy of several pages of its contract with Waste Management for review under this

project. These included the sections related to authority and execution; equal employment opportunity;

conditional assignment of the agreement to WCAA; and performance guarantee. The sections related to

the specific services provided were not included, and therefore were not reviewed under this project. A

review of the complete document is needed to identify any challenges to or opportunities for recycling

presented by this agreement.

The DANTeC/Waste Management contract outlines the fee structure for rental of compactors and

dumpsters; for hauling of waste and recyclables; and pricing per ton of waste and recyclables. Of note,

the price for a closed top recycling container is the same as for an indoor waste compactor; similarly the

hauling charge for waste and recyclables are the same. The per-ton cost for waste under this contract is

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Review of Waste Management Contracts

less than for recyclables, an arrangement that does not incentivize recycling by DANTeC. Increasing the

rate per ton for waste under any updates to this contract could help incentivize recycling in the future.

McNamara Terminal Advanced Disposal Contract

Delta/ABM’s contract with Advanced Disposal was not available for review in preparing this Plan. A

collaborative review of this contract by Delta, ABM, and WCAA would identify opportunities to increase

recycling and reduce waste generation. Any identified adjustments to the contracted services that come

out of such a review could be incorporated into future contracts.

B. Recycling Contracts

Royal Oak Recycling’s services are provided under a purchase order agreement with WCAA. This

agreement includes the materials generated at YIP. Recycling from areas managed by DANTeC is included

in the Waste Management contract described above. Recycling from areas managed by Delta is included

in the Advanced Disposal contract described above.

C. Housekeeping Contracts

WCAA’s, DANTeC’s, and Delta’s contract for janitorial services including aircraft cabin cleaning for the

airlines were not provided for review under this project. These contracts should also be reviewed to

determine if they create opportunities for additional recycling-related activities and if they can be

improved during the next contract cycle.

D. Tenant Leases

WCAA’s Concessions and Quality Assurance Department is responsible for managing tenant leases in

both terminal buildings as well as outlying facilities at DTW. Per communication with the E&S

Department, tenant leases do not currently require participation in the WCAA’s recycling program or

standalone recycling and waste management efforts.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

5. Recycling Feasibility

A variety of factors impact the feasibility of recycling at DTW. Some of these are universal to airports

and similar facilities, while others are specific to DTW. The following sections describe the more

influential of these factors.

A. Commitment and Support

The willingness of the WCAA, DTW staff, and DTW’s tenants and contractors to commit to and support

DTW’s recycling program is a major factor in the success of such a program. Without the commitment

of resources such as funding, labor and time, space, and access to secure areas, a recycling program

could struggle.

WCAA Departments

WCAA’s E&S Department has demonstrated commitment to and support for recycling and responsible

waste management at DTW. The Department developed a written recycling policy for WCAA employees,

devoted resources to studying the composition of waste at both terminals, and provides the labor for

the food recovery program.

A few aspects of a facility-wide recycling program fall under the purview of other WCAA departments,

including Concessions and Quality Assurance and Facilities. The Concessions and Quality Assurance

Department assisted in the coordination for the waste study at the McNamara Terminal. The

Maintenance Department developed a Request for Proposals for the purchase of new recycling bins for

the North Terminal with the input of the E&S Department. Increased cooperation and participation by

these departments will be key in future efforts to improve or expand recycling at DTW. As a service

provider for WCAA, DANTeC operates under the WCAA’s goals. DANTeC facilitated elements of the waste

study at the North Terminal.

Airline Participation

Per corporate policy, Delta is “committed to minimizing waste streams through diversion and re-use,

waste recycling programs, and [waste reduction].” Delta has taken steps to facilitate and promote

recycling in the McNamara Terminal. In addition, Delta’s Sky Club Lounge donates food to and otherwise

supports the WCAA’s food recovery program.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

Of the eight airlines that operate at the North Terminal, five have established sustainability programs

that include elements of waste management and recycling.

United Airlines is “committed to operating sustainably and responsibly” and has recycled over 28 million

pounds of aluminum cans, paper, and plastic from flights and facilities. In 2014, United began to replace

its hot beverage cups with fully recyclable alternatives made from recycled plastic water bottles.

Alaska Airlines’ environmental strategy includes working to reduce waste from flights and other facilities,

including recycling and composting of coffee grounds. Alaska’s 2015 goal was to increase recycling

capture rate on flights from 79 percent to 85 percent. The airline specifically mentions that their recycling

goals are “limited by local infrastructure as many airports and municipalities have different protocols

and capabilities for co-mingled recycling.” Alaska has worked with a reuse company to salvage leather

from old plane seats and reuse the material in consumer goods. The airline is also working with inflight

crews to keep unused disposable items such as cups and napkins on aircraft instead of returning them

to the catering carts, where they are thrown away in the unstocking process. Alaska’s goal is to ensure

all inflight service ware items are recyclable, reusable, and/or sustainably sourced. Alaska has also taken

steps to reduce dependence on printed paper through the use of iPads, iPhones, and tailored

applications (apps) in their operations.

Southwest Airlines is “committed to conservation and mitigation of [the airline’s] environmental

impacts.” Southwest also partnered with a reuse company to “upcycle” seat leather into new products.

Southwest has diverted more than 4,100 tons of material from landfills through recycling.

JetBlue Airline’s sustainability website states that “by…recycling much of our waste, we cut costs.” In

2012, JetBlue launched an onboard recycling program under which inflight crew members separate

bottles and cans and the ground crews process these materials for recycling at the landing destination.

In the first year, this program recycled 28 million cans and bottles and donated the money earned to

charity. JetBlue has also worked with a reuse company to transform waste crew member uniforms into

new items.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

Virgin Atlantic focuses on its environmental footprint, including reducing waste. As part of this effort,

the airline has recycled or donated blankets, newspapers and magazines, furniture, aircraft seat foam,

carpet, and electrical goods. Virgin has also worked with a reuse company to create bags from recycled

seat covers and design crew uniforms made from recycled plastic bottle material.

B. Technical and Economic Factors

Technical and economic factors play a large roll in recycling at a given facility. This includes elements

such as the types of materials recycled in the area, existing recycling facilities and other infrastructure,

logistical or legal constraints (such as janitorial services or limits on food reuse).

Local Markets and Infrastructure

Markets for recycled materials fluctuate widely based on several factors and interactions. For economic

reasons, local waste haulers typically only accept materials that can be recycled cost-effectively in the

area. Manufacturers purchasing recycled material want it to be predictable and ready for use; therefore,

recycling facilities are about what materials they accept and prefer materials that are of high value, clean,

and easy to separate.

The materials listed in Table 4 are accepted under the residential recycling programs in the region. As

previously noted, inclusion in such programs generally indicates that the market and/or infrastructure

for these materials is strong. DTW currently recycles those materials highlighted in blue.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

Table 4: Materials Accepted in Area Recycling Programs

City of Detroit

City of Romulus

City of Ypsilanti

City of Ann Arbor

x Paper – newspaper,

magazines, junk mail,

office paper,

telephone books

x Boxes – cardboard

boxes, boxboard

x Plastics - #1-7, jugs

tubs, bottles

x Metals –

tin and steel

food cans,

aluminum

beverage cans,

aluminum foil and pie

plates, pots and pans

x Glass – bottles and

jars, clear and

colored glass

x Newspaper

x Plastic containers

x Cans

x Glass

x Paper – newspaper,

magazines, junk mail

x Boxes – cardboard

boxes, boxboard

x Plastics - #1, 2, 4, 5,

6, and 7

x Metals – tin cans,

aluminum beverage

cans,

aluminum foil

and trays

x Glass – bottles and

jars, clear and

colored glass

x Milk cartons and

juice

boxes

x Rechargeable

batteries

x Styrofoam

x Paper – newspaper,

magazines, junk mail,

office paper

x Boxes – cardboard

boxes, boxboard

x Plastics - #1, 2, 4, 5,

and 7

x Metals – tin cans,

aluminum beverage

cans

x Glass – bottles and

jars

clear and colored

glass

x Milk

cartons and juice

boxes

Note: DTW recycles those materials highlighted in blue.

There are several recycling centers within 15 miles of DTW. Royal Oak Recycling is located 1.5 miles north

of DTW and accepts commercial paper, cardboard, plastic, and metals. Taylor Recycling (three miles from

DTW) processes cardboard, paper, glass, wood, and metals. Red Metal Recycling (13 miles) and Weiser

Recycling (six miles) accept metals. Based on the types of material that DTW recycles, the area’s network

of recycling options is anticipated to be able to serve DTW’s on-going recycling needs.

There are four landfill facilities within ten miles of DTW. Two of these are owned and operated by Waste

Management (Woodland Meadows and Detroit West Area), one is owned by Republic Services (Sauk

Trail Hills) and one is owned by the City of Riverview (Riverview Land Preserve). The Michigan

Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) calculated that Woodland Meadows had 10 years of

remaining capacity, Sauk Trail Hills had 17 years, and River Land Preserve had 14 years as of January

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

2016. Based on this information from MDEQ, the area landfills have adequate capacity for the

foreseeable future (10-15 years).

Logistical Considerations and Constraints

Certain elements must be in place to maintain a recycling program at DTW. These include proactive and

engaged janitorial contractors, willing haulers, space for bins and dumpsters, and access to secure areas

(including airside ramps and sterile terminal areas).

The food recovery program has specific requirements that ensure food safety and maximize the volumes

of food donated to the receiving organization(s). Perishable food designated for donation must be

refrigerated in restaurants’ back of house areas until it is collected by WCAA E&S Department staff and

delivered to a refrigerated area at the dock. Holding this food until it is collected takes up space, which

is a limited resource for airport restaurants. In addition, moving collected food throughout the

McNamara Terminal to the docks has been a challenge because of the location of the docks (at a different

elevation than the terminal curbside, etc.) and screening procedures for employees that must

accommodate the collection equipment (bins and carts). Initially, Bradford Logistics was assisting in food

collection on a shared daily schedule with E&S Department staff. However, the program is currently

operated solely by Department staff and subject to their availability. As a result of these challenges, the

WCAA is evaluating donating the food to the USO Freedom Centers and/or an organization that is willing

to take over the entire collection process.

The levels of delegation for tasks associated with waste management also pose challenges. For example,

Delta contracts with Prospect to service arriving aircraft cabins. Delta’s flight crews separate recyclables

aboard flights per company policy, but it is Prospect employees’ responsibility to take recyclable

materials off the aircraft to the appropriate compactor. During busy periods or at gates that are long

distances from a recycling compactor, Prospect staff may not be able to transport waste and recyclable

materials to both a waste compactor and a recycling compactor, and still be able to service their next

aircraft in a timely manner. An additional challenge is that the compactors may be locked, and Prospect

staff may not all have ready access to the keys. WCAA and the janitorial contractor ISS may face the same

issues at the North Terminal, and the distance to a recycling compactor may be an even greater issue if

recycling is implemented there.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

Purchasing practices are another element of waste management that is distributed among different

organizations at DTW that may have little or no coordination. Because each organization operates

slightly differently, it may be difficult to identify opportunities to make different procurement choices

that reduce waste. However, due to the multiple levels of responsibility at DTW, improved

communication and coordination will be key to removing or minimizing roadblocks such as time, labor,

supply needs, or other challenges. A guide for more sustainable procurement could be developed with

input from all the organizations.

Restaurants, janitorial contractors, and other stakeholders in recycling at DTW can sometimes

experience significant employee turnover. This turnover can make it difficult to maintain consistency in

waste reduction and recycling practices. A steady influx of new employees creates a continuous demand

for training on all aspects of the employer’s policies, including day to day operations. Departing

employees take their experience and knowledge with them, including any tips or tricks for timing or

completing recycling tasks. Development of general recycling information that can be provided to any

new employee (WCAA, airline, tenant) would help address this challenge.

Another challenge faced by the airlines, restaurants, other tenants, and contractors is that a portion of

the infrastructure for recycling is located in restricted and/or secured areas and not all employees have

access to these spaces. As a result, these businesses and companies must schedule their workforce so

that employees are available to transfer materials to the waste and recycling dumpsters and compactors,

or to the dock at the times when they are open without interrupting other operations.

Contractual Issues

An evaluation of DTW’s contracts is presented in Section 4: Review of Waste Management Contracts.

There are no identified major contractual issues with maintaining and improving the recycling program

at DTW. The complexity of the DTW facility and community, with space leased to various airlines and

tenants and their subcontracting of custodial and waste collection services, does pose challenges. The

success of DTW’s recycling program depends on the WCAA, airlines, and tenants working cooperatively

to support it.

As noted in Section 4: Review of Waste Management Contracts, the fee structure within DANTeC’s

contract with Waste Management does not incentivize recycling at the North Terminal, because the

costs are the same for container rental and material hauling, and more on a per-ton basis for recyclable

materials.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

This contract does not include mechanisms to offset the higher costs through rebates or credits based

on the value of recyclable materials. The contract does incentivize waste reduction because, as the

volume of waste generated at the North Terminal is decreased, the total cost to DANTeC would go down

based on less frequent and fewer container pick-ups.

In addition, the WCAA’s agreement with DANTeC includes fees and charges paid by the member airlines

for various services at the North Terminal. These charges include facility improvements and utilities.

Changes to waste management at this facility, for example, introduction of recycling service, could raise

the cost to the airlines. WCAA would need to discuss and negotiate costs for recycling at the North

Terminal with both DANTeC and the member airlines. Similarly, the WCAA’s agreement with Delta

includes fees and charges for services at the McNamara Terminal, including improvements and utilities.

Changes to waste management that would affect the cost to Delta would need to be discussed and

negotiated with the airline.

Recycling and Landfill Facility Requirements

The recycling facilities and landfills that accept waste from DTW have specific acceptance criteria and

requirements. Adherence to these specifications protects the safety of employees handling these

materials; the integrity and operation of the equipment and infrastructure used to transfer, sort, and

convert these materials; and the value of the recyclable stream.

Items generated at DTW may be comprised of components that seem recyclable (plastic, glass, or metal

parts), but recycling facilities have specific material standards, and the presence of non-recyclable

materials may result in rejection of an entire load. For this reason, it is important that non-recyclable

items are not included in DTW’s recycling stream.

Other items generated at DTW may require special handling and/or be prohibited or restricted from

disposal in an MSW landfill. Examples include beverage containers (included under the State’s refund

program), tires, yard clippings, appliances, asbestos, drums, lead acid batteries, radioactive waste,

medical waste, hazardous waste, septage, sewage, and used oil. It is paramount that restricted and

regulated wastes are not included in DTW’s MSW stream.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

C. Federal, State, and Local Policies and Guidelines

Federal, State of Michigan, and local waste and recycling regulations and policies and factors were

reviewed to evaluate DTW’s existing recycling plan in the context of applicable requirements.

Federal

At the federal level, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for

developing a solid waste management program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

(RCRA) and related policies and guidance. RCRA provides the framework for management of hazardous

and non-hazardous waste All generators of hazardous waste, including airports, are required to comply

with RCRA and all other Federal waste laws and regulations and are generally not covered under this

plan.

As described in Section 1A: Regulatory Background and Project Purpose, the FAA’s definition of airport

planning was updated in 2010 through FMRA to include planning for recycling and waste minimization.

The WCAA is required to address solid waste as part of an airport master planning project. The FAA

provides guidance on airport waste and recycling in the September 2014 memo on the topic as well as

in a synthesis document prepared in 2013 (both available on the FAA’s website).

The EPA has developed a hierarchy of waste management strategies. This hierarchy (Figure 5, left) ranks

these strategies from most- to least-environmentally preferred, with emphasis on reducing, reusing, and

recycling. In addition to the general waste management hierarchy, the EPA has also developed a

preference ranking of management strategies for food waste (Figure 5, right).

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

State

At the state level, the MDEQ oversees solid waste management and recycling. The State’s current

recycling initiative is focused on making recycling easier and providing convenient access to residential

recycling. The State has set a goal to double the residential recycling rate from 15 percent to 30 percent

within 2 years (by 2019)

The Michigan Beverage Container Act was enacted in 1976 to reduce litter and conserve resources. The

Act places a $0.10 deposit on metal, glass, paper, and plastic containers under one gallon that contain

beer, soft drinks, carbonated and mineral water, wine coolers, or canned cocktails. Retail customers and

restaurants pay $0.10 per container at the point of sale and receive this back as a refund when the

containers are returned. As of 2014, 94.2 percent of eligible containers were redeemed with 75 percent

of unredeemed deposits used for state environmental programs, and the remainder going to retailers

who participate in the program.

Figure 5: Waste Management Hierarchy (left) and Food Recovery Hierarchy (right)

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

Local

The Wayne County Department of Public Services Environmental Services Group Land Resource

Management Division (LRMD) oversees landfills, transfer stations, and processing facilities in the County

and enforces County and State waste regulations at these facilities. The LRMD’s solid waste goals and

objectives include increasing the awareness of the need for recycling to reduce reliance on landfills.

All counties in the state are required to prepare a solid waste management plan (SWMP). The LRMD is

responsible for developing, enforcing, tracking, and supporting the County’s SWMP, which was updated

in 2000. The LRMD provides materials for education and information to the public, school groups, and

businesses and industry in the County, as well as information and support to local businesses intending

to start recycling programs.

Community Culture

Waste and recycling projects at other airports have confirmed that passengers have an interest in

recycling. Residents in the Cities of Detroit, Romulus, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor have access to curbside

recycling and many also have access to drop-off locations. Based on the area’s recycling programs, area

residents have many opportunities to recycle and are familiar with general recycling practices. Cities

such as Romulus have identified increasing recycling in their Master Plan. The area’s recycling rate is

likely similar to that of the State of Michigan, which is at 15 percent. Passengers and employees who

recycle at home or at other businesses in the Detroit area are likely to expect DTW to have a recycling

program, and participate in that program. As a large national and international hub airport, a large

number of passengers travelling through DTW have seen and participated in various levels of recycling

and sustainability programs at other airports, and may expect this service at DTW.

Other Incentives

As noted in Section 5A: Federal, State, and Local Policies and Guidelines, the majority of the airlines

serving DTW have recycling programs. Aligning the DTW recycling program with the airlines’ corporate

practices provides the opportunity for the WCAA to achieve its waste reduction and recycling program

goals while also helping the airlines achieve theirs.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recycling Feasibility

The organization that receives the food recovery program donations has expressed sincere gratitude to

the WCAA for the support of their mission. This contribution to the community of southwest Detroit

provides an incentive tied to the social responsibility element of sustainability. In addition, because this

program is funded by an MDEQ grant, there is a financial incentive to meet the program objectives

established under the grant agreement. The USO Freedom Centers and a second food pantry

organization have expressed interest in receiving food from this program and may provide additional

societal incentives for its continuation or expansion.

WCAA is currently constructing a new administration building adjacent to the North Terminal, providing

both an incentive and opportunity to address waste management head on in the process. This building

has been designed to meet Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) criteria for new

construction. According to the WCAA E&S Department, waste bins and recycling containers will be

incorporated into the new breakroom spaces and a recycling center, or storage area, is planned for the

facility. The new space will prompt adjustments to WCAA’s current workplace recycling program for the

correct fit of containers and proper disposal. With these adjustments, the recycling program in the new

facility will satisfy a prerequisite for the Materials and Resources section of LEED credentials. Obtaining

this prerequisite, as well as the associated C&D waste management planning, will potentially lead to up

to 13 Materials and Resources LEED credits. In addition, moving WCAA employees to a new building is

an excellent opportunity to establish new practices and habits. Employee recycling habits are ingrained

in their current routines. A change in working environment can lead to positive behavioral changes

increasing participation and conformance to the recycling policy.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Cost Savings and Revenue Generation

6. Cost Savings and Revenue Generation

The costs associated with a recycling program are dependent on available infrastructure, material

markets, and the type of waste generated. These costs often include capital costs for containers, landfill

tipping fees, hauling costs, material rebates, and labor. Generally, demonstrated reductions in costs are

an important part of ensuring the viability and success of an airport’s recycling and waste reduction

efforts. As a result, the FMRA requires an evaluation of the potential cost savings and revenue

generation opportunities for an Airport Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction Plan.

Waste handling and recycling collection for WCAA areas is funded under the WCAA’s annual operating

budget. DANTeC budgets for waste management costs for the North Terminal; likewise, Delta budgets

for waste and recycling in its budget for the operation of the McNamara Terminal.

WCAA’s waste collection contractor, Waste Management, collects waste on a scheduled basis and

charges per pull (or pick up). Based on the bid tabulations from the WCAA’s 2015 RFB for dumpster and

roll-off trash removal services, WCAA expects to pay approximately $437,800 over the five-year contract

with Waste Management.

Delta and ABM’s waste management contractor, Advanced Disposal, collects waste and recyclables on

an on-call basis. When a compactor is full, it automatically notifies Advanced Disposal to request service.

Advanced Disposal estimates the annual cost and then credits Delta/ABM for any costs that are not

actually incurred, essentially, when the actual pulls are fewer than accounted for in the estimate. During

year six of the contract with Advanced Disposal (March 2015 through February 2016), the estimated cost

was about $650,700 and at the end of this time-period about $63,090 was refunded. Delta does not

receive a credit or rebate for recyclable material.

Based on the fee structure and anticipated volumes described in DANTeC’s contract with Waste

Management, DANTeC anticipates spending approximately $83,000 each year for waste removal and

recycling service at the North Terminal.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Cost Savings and Revenue Generation

Assuming all of the waste collection at DTW is charged on a per pull basis, reducing the volume of waste

generated from WCAA offices, the North Terminal, and the McNamara Terminal would reduce costs by

decreasing the number and frequency of required pickups. The DANTeC contract includes fees for both

pick-ups and tonnage, so waste reduction strategies could generate additional cost savings.

WCAA and DANTeC’s contracts are not structured to reduce costs by diverting materials to recycling.

Depending on the fee structure for recycling collection versus waste collection, it is possible that Delta

could achieve a financial benefit from diversion to recycling.

Source separated recyclable materials are a potential source of revenue generation through rebates or

credits from the collection companies. Rebates, credits, and similar programs would have to be

negotiated in the next round of contracts for these services. If the WCAA, Delta, or DANTeC are

interested in receiving income from recyclable materials, two key elements need to be considered: 1)

how to incentivize the waste haulers support for recycling instead of penalizing them through reduced

waste payments, and 2) how this revenue would be credited to the various organizations responsible for

waste management and recycling at DTW.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

7. Recommendations

This section presents recommendations for WCAA, including waste reduction, reuse, and recycling

strategies, based on the information presented in previous sections of this document. The objectives

and targets are described, along with recommendations for tracking and reporting. There are

recommended strategies for reduction and reuse and for recycling and composting. This section

discusses the role of education and outreach along with recommended methods and training. Finally,

this section describes the containers and bins as well as the signage and labeling to lead to increased

participation in recycling and reduce contamination.

A. Objectives and Targets

It is recommended that DTW set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART)

goals for its waste and recycling program. Well-defined objectives and targets provide a basis and

foundation for subsequent activities and actions. Monitoring progress toward such goals requires

tracking, and can also provide information on progress and improvements that can be used in marketing

and education efforts.

Set WCAA Goals

The WCAA should consider adopting or otherwise incorporating the following potential objectives and

targets:

x Recycle 15 percent of waste generated in new WCAA office building (equal to current State of

Michigan residential recycling rate)

x See to 100 percent completion of WCAA employee recycling awareness training

x Divert 100 percent of coffee grounds generated in new WCAA office building

(dependent on identifying an organization interested in and willing to accept grounds)

x Update WCAA staff on program progress annually (for example, via email or website)

x Present recycling information at Airline Council meeting once each year

x Conduct annual inspections of recycling and waste practices

Support DANTeC and Delta Goals

The waste source, quantity and composition information provided in Section 3: Waste Audit and

detailed in the waste composition study reports provide baseline data for establishing objectives and

targets for the terminal buildings. It is recommended that WCAA work with DANTeC and Delta to

establish recycling goals compatible with the airlines’ corporate objectives for these areas.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Based on the observed levels of recyclables in the terminal waste streams, the following ideas for

terminal goals should be considered:

x Recycle five percent of waste generated in the public passenger areas, which is half the recyclable

portion of ten percent,

x Install at least one liquid collection station at each terminal,

x See that 100 percent of airline employees and contractors complete recycling awareness training,

x Reduce number of standalone garbage cans, and

x Make sure that 100 percent of airline areas have access to paper recycling.

B. Tracking and Reporting

Tracking

As described in Section 2B: Operation and Maintenance Requirements, Roles, and Responsibilities

WCAA currently tracks the volume of recyclables collected by Royal Oak Recycling from the WCAA

Administration Offices, North Terminal, and the DTW dock (McNamara Terminal recycling). WCAA also

tracks the volume of food donated through the food recovery program. Delta tracks the volume of waste

collected by Advanced Disposal through ABM. It is recommended that this information be combined at

least annually, used to calculate WCAA and terminal recycling rates, based on percent of waste stream

recycled. These data can be graphed to visually communicate on-going trends in waste generation and

recycling.

Reporting

DTW’s waste and recycling performance is not currently reported to interested parties or stakeholders

in the program. It is recommended that the WCAA consider establishing a regular reporting schedule

and this information be proactively presented to the WCAA management and employees, tenants, and

interested external stakeholders. A set of bar graphs and pie charts showing trends and patterns in the

recycling data can be an effective means of communicating this information. Reporting should be at least

on an annual basis. The purposes of this reporting are to remind the employees, tenants, and users of

the recycling program and its benefits; to communicate the WCAA’s commitment to its recycling

program and its broader commitment to sustainability; and to solicit feedback and suggestions for

improving the recycling program.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Updating

As the program is adjusted and improved, it is recommended that DTW update the tracking document

to accommodate additional material streams or new sources of data, for example, the pounds of coffee

grounds collected for composting. The reporting schedule should also be revised as needed to

accommodate changes to the program. It is expected that the reporting schedule would initially increase

in frequency as the program evolves and new strategies are implemented, and then potentially return

to a lesser frequency as the program matures.

C. Reduce and Reuse

Waste reduction is the most environmentally preferred waste management strategy. It is recommended

that DTW focus on moving materials up the waste management hierarchy as a key strategy in reducing

the facility’s environmental impacts. Waste reduction can be accomplished in many ways, including

reusing items.

It is recommended that the WCAA evaluate the following reduction and reuse strategies to determine

which, if any, are feasible and prudent for implementation at DTW.

x Install liquid collection stations

x Encourage employee and passenger reuse of durable water bottles by refilling at bottle filling

stations/drinking fountains

x Collect and donate unopened food, beverage, and toiletry items subject to TSA restrictions

x Provide reusable coffee mugs, such as ceramic or thermal mugs, to WCAA employees (inspired

by beverage tumbler program)

x Establish central office supply storage and encourage WCAA employees to return

unused/unwanted supplies to this area for others to use

x Set the WCAA printers and copiers to default to double-sided printing

x Use cloud-based file storage and document sharing systems to reduce need for paper copies

x Share one subscription to industry journals and trade magazines and route copies (rather than

receiving a copy for each employee); move to electronic subscriptions where possible

As reduction and reuse practices are adopted, it is recommended that the WCAA share information

about these strategies with passengers, airlines, tenants, and contractors and encourage these

stakeholders to implement them where feasible in their own activities.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Several of the recommendations are further detailed below, where additional information will be

helpful for implementing these measures.

Liquids Collection

The North Terminal Waste Composition Study found that garbage cans and recycling containers located

in the security queuing areas and other non-sterile areas receive a significant amount of liquids due to

TSA restrictions. The same is likely true at the McNamara Terminal. Liquids add significant weight to the

waste stream, contaminate other materials like paper, and may be rejected by a recycler, which will

result in them being landfilled. Liquid collection stations are becoming more common at Airports around

the country to combat liquids in the waste and recycling streams.

It is recommended that the WCAA work with DANTeC and Delta to evaluate installing liquid collection

stations in security queuing areas to capture the liquids discarded here. Liquid collection stations can

both reduce the weight of the waste stream generated in these areas and protect recyclable materials.

These stations should be co-located with recycling bins so passengers can recycle the plastic bottles,

aluminum cans and other containers they do not wish to retain and refill.

Liquid collection stations also encourage passengers to empty their reusable and disposable water

bottles and refill them in the sterile area after clearing screening. A liquid collection station also acts as

a final reminder to passengers about to enter the screening area that liquids greater than 3.4 fluid ounces

are not allowed through screening, and thereby expedite the screening process by encouraging the

removal of prohibited liquids from carry-on luggage.

Liquid collection stations are available from various manufacturers and can also be fabricated in-house.

These stations require maintenance and servicing, specifically emptying into a designated drain. Stations

should include signs indicating that passengers can empty their beverage containers and keep them to

refill after they pass through security at bottle refill stations located throughout the terminal near the

restrooms.

The use of liquid collection stations would require custodial staff and contractor time to empty these

containers on a regular basis and deal with any issues, such as spills. Case studies from other airports

show that the time required for staff to empty these stations is offset by the reduction in time dealing

with liquids in the trash bags, which can contribute greatly to their weight.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

It would be important to locate the liquid collection stations within the security screening queuing areas

and with designated access to custodial stations with floor drains to allow for them to be emptied easily

and quickly.

Liquid collection stations also provide a benefit to housekeeping staff. Without liquid collection, bags

need to be emptied more frequently so that they do not exceed comfortable or safe handling weights.

Diverting liquids to a collection station from the waste or recycling stream can reduce the overall weight

of waste and recycling bags, which can reduce the frequency at which bags need to be emptied. Diverting

the liquids will also reduce the need to reinforce the bags (double bag) to address the extra weight and

potential for leaks.

Donation of Food, Beverages, and Toiletries

It is recommended that DTW investigate the feasibility of collecting unopened bottles of water, other

beverages, food and toiletries that are restricted from carry-on luggage and donating them to a local

charity or other organization. These items can be very heavy and add weight to the waste stream in the

queuing area or TSA operation screening.

In compliance with TSA requirements, these items may

need to be collected prior to the security checkpoint

queuing area. Collection of these items would require

containers at the security checkpoints and management

by ISS and DFS staff to store the items until the receiving

organization could collect them. Coordination between

the WCAA, DANTeC, Delta, and the designated receiving

organization will be needed. Additionally, information

from a TSA representative may be required to assist with

coordination on the location and details of this collection

program. Figure 6 presents an example of how this type

of program has been implemented at McCarran

International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Figure 6: Example Donation Collection at

McCarran International Airport (LAS)

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

D. Recycling and Composting

According to the EPA, recycling waste items to be processed into raw materials to make new products is

the second most preferred waste management strategy after waste reduction. The FAA guidance

expects an Airport’s recycling, reuse, and waste reduction plan to document, at a minimum, the facility’s

existing program to recycle paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic cups. As discussed

previously, recycling of these materials is carried out to various degrees at DTW.

Paper

It is recommended that DTW expand the existing paper recycling program at WCAA offices and

encourage the expansion of the program at the McNamara Terminal and to additional areas. This effort

should include encouraging increased recycling of paper by employees, tenants, and passengers.

Delta is currently recycling waste magazines and newspapers generated aboard commercial flights. It is

recommended that the WCAA collaborate and coordinate with the airlines serving the North Terminal

to evaluate adding paper items from deplaned waste and other activities to this program.

Plastic Bottles

It is recommended that DTW expand its program of collecting plastic bottles from the WCAA offices and

YIP to additional areas and encourage increased recycling of plastic bottles by employees, tenants, and

passengers. It is also recommended that WCAA encourage Delta to expand its program of recycling

plastic bottles generated at the McNamara Terminal and aboard their flights.

It is recommended that the WCAA collaborate and coordinate with the airlines serving North Terminal

to evaluate adding plastic bottles from deplaned waste and other activities to this program.

Aluminum Cans

It is recommended that the WCAA continue to encourage the practice of collecting and returning

refundable cans, which has an exceptionally high capture rate.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

It is recommended that the WCAA expand the program for collecting non-refundable aluminum cans

collected from the WCAA offices, YIP, and McNamara Terminal for recycling to additional areas and

encourage increased recycling of non-refundable aluminum cans by employees, tenants and passengers.

Delta is currently recycling non-refundable aluminum cans generated aboard commercial flights. It is

recommended that the WCAA collaborate and coordinate with the airlines serving the North Terminal

to evaluate adding aluminum cans from deplaned waste to the recycling program.

Plastic Cups

It is recommended that DTW collaborate and coordinate with the airlines serving the North Terminal to

evaluate adding plastic cups from deplaned waste to the recycling program, similar to the program that

Delta has at the McNamara Terminal.

Glass

Refundable glass containers generated at DTW is returned for the refund. However, non-refundable

glass is currently landfilled because it is not accepted by recycling firms. Therefore, it is recommended

that the current glass practices are continued and any efforts related to this material are focused on

increasing the capture rate of refundable glass containers.

Cardboard

As noted previously, cardboard currently is not consistently recycled at DTW. It is recommended that

the WCAA work with DANTeC, Delta, and their contractors as well as with the restaurants and retail

stores to determine how this material might be collected onsite and hauled for recycling.

Other Recyclables

As other recyclable materials are identified in DTW’s waste stream and occur in a consistent and

significant quantity in the future, the WCAA should work with its employees, airlines, tenants, and

janitorial and waste hauling contractors to design and implement strategies to separate, collect, and

process these materials.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Food Waste

According to industry case studies and the composition studies completed at DTW’s terminals, food

waste is a major component of the waste stream at an Airport, on average about 35 percent.

It is recommended that the WCAA’s food recovery program be continued and expanded as resources

allow. Additional labor and support may be needed from Bradford Logistics and/or the restaurant

tenants to maintain and grow this worthwhile program.

An additional potential opportunity for the food recovery program is LSG Sky Chef’s facility near the

North Terminal, which prepares meals, snacks, and beverages for an average of 260 flights per day, and

other organizations that prepare large volumes of food at DTW. These include LSG Group; Delaware

North, which manages several restaurants; HMS Host, which manages Starbucks; and McDonald’s.

Although these organizations have formal environmental policies and have committed to reducing and

diverting waste, there may still be opportunities for collaboration. It is recommended to collect more

information about these organizations’ practices and policies and they are recognized and encouraged.

Composting of food waste at DTW is largely dependent on the availability of a local composting facility

or other organization interested in accepting this material.

If a composting facility or other organization is found or established in the DTW area, the WCAA should

evaluate implementing composting at DTW. In a terminal, pre-consumer food waste (waste generated

by food preparation activities) is generally easier to compost because restaurant employees are at a

facility more frequently and on a more regular basis than passengers so they are easier to train and

educate on composting practices and requirements. The same is true of a flight catering facility like LSG

Sky Chefs. The specific items accepted by a composting facility are dependent on that facility’s design

and the process used to break down the waste; some facilities accept all food waste (including meat and

bones and breads) while others accept only vegetables and fruit.

One option for easing into composting gradually is to first implement a composting program for coffee

grounds generated by restaurants in the terminals. Coffee grounds have a pleasant odor, are easily

identifiable (therefore easy to separate), are typically uncontaminated by other materials, and are

generated in a predictable manner and quantity. Once tenants are comfortable composting coffee

grounds, other materials can be added by name (banana peels, apple cores, etc.) and/or by type (fruits,

vegetables, etc.) until all food waste appropriate for composting is included.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Paper Products

Because the majority of DTW’s restrooms are equipped with paper towel dispensers and nearby garbage

cans, the waste stream collected in these cans will primarily consist of paper towel. This stream can be

expected to contain low contamination and a steady volume of material, making it an attractive material

for composting.

Once If a commercial composting facility becomes available in the area in the future, it is recommended

that the WCAA consider adopting composting of paper towels and other paper products (napkins and

tissues) composting.

Because the majority of the Airport’s restrooms are equipped with paper towel dispensers and nearby

garbage cans, the waste stream collected in these cans will primarily consist of paper towel. This stream

can be expected to contain low contamination and a steady volume of material, making it an attractive

material for composting.

No modifications to the paper towel dispensers or garbage bins would be needed to implement this type

of program. Alternative bins would need to be conveniently located and clearly labeled to accept other

waste generated in the restrooms that is not paper towel; and the bins reserved for paper towel should

be labeled “Paper Towel Only – Collected for Composting” (or similar) to instruct use and explain how

this material is managed. Each terminal would also need a dedicated storage container for this material

and a procedure to collect and store it separately until it was collected by the waste hauling contractors

for delivery to the composting facility.

E. Education and Outreach

Under the existing WCAA recycling program, education of WCAA employees, airlines, tenants, and

contractors is achieved through inclusion in environmental awareness training programs, while

awareness and education for passengers is primarily conducted through container signage/labels in the

terminals. New WCAA employees receive a copy of the recycling policy during onboarding; this policy

was distributed to all WCAA employees when it was adopted.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

In-terminal Messaging

To supplement existing signage and labeling, it is recommended that the WCAA work with DANTeC and

Delta to improve the in-terminal messaging for passengers and provide brief, clear instructions for

recycling at DTW. Providing clear instructional signage at the recycling stations/recycling bins can

improve passenger participation and reduce contamination.

On-going Training

It is also recommended that the WCAA E&S Department continue and expand its program of simple on-

going training for employees, airlines, tenants, and contractors that explains the recycling program,

including its purpose and requirements. Such a training program will promote program participation and

compliance, resulting in increased recycling and reduced contamination. In addition, training can

designate a contact and a mechanism to receive feedback and ideas for improvement.

Training on the recycling program at DTW does not need to be complicated. The format of training could

take any number of forms, including emails, newsletters, posters, etc. The content of such training

should include reminders and information about:

• The materials that are accepted for recycling at DTW and the location of the containers to be used

for the program,

• Purchasing requirements, and

• The positive effect the program is having in reducing DTW’s environmental impact.

Information from the EPA, the MDEQ, and the County’s SWMP should also be incorporated into the

training program. In addition, different stakeholders and organizations involved in collection,

housekeeping, recycling, composting, and other waste activities (hauling contractors, recycling

companies) could be asked to provide content, send email reminders, or to present during meetings.

WCAA should consider providing introductory level information to new tenants and contractors and

provide materials such as postings, postcards, etc. to existing tenants and contractors for use with their

employees.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Once a training and education program is implemented, it is recommended that WCAA actively maintain

such a program to facilitate its continued success. The content of trainings and printed

resources/materials should be updated as the program changes and grows.

F. Containers and Bins

It is recommended that WCAA adjust the type and placement of recycling and waste containers installed

throughout the McNamara and North Terminals and other facilities at DTW to increase recycling

participation and reduce contamination.

McNamara Terminal Recycling Bins and Garbage Cans

The existing recycling bins in McNamara Terminal are described in Section 2C: Infrastructure; no changes

to the design of these containers are recommended at this time. The specially shaped lids provide an

additional clue as to the contents of that container and the proper materials to dispose of within. It is

recommended that the WCAA work with Delta, ABM, and DFS to standardize the placement of the

recycling stations in the McNamara Terminal and minimize the number of standalone garbage cans.

North Terminal Recycling Bins and Garbage Cans

It is recommended that the WCAA work with DANTeC and ISS to co-locate recycling bins in the public

and passenger areas of the North Terminal. This can be accomplished by formalizing the placement of

the existing round recycling bins or through their replacement with recycling stations designed to

accommodate three streams. Recommended alternatives to the bins in North Terminal are discussed in

the Waste Composition Study Report (Appendix H2). In either case, the number of standalone garbage

cans should also be limited. Co-locating the garbage cans with recycling bins is intended to increase

participation in the recycling program and improve the recycling capture rate. Co-locating the containers

means the containers have consistent availability and helps passengers differentiate between materials.

There are many standalone garbage cans in the North Terminal and they are typically closer or more

available than a recycling station; therefore, in many cases, it is more convenient for passengers,

employees, and tenants to locate and use a garbage can for all materials than to find and use a recycling

bin. These containers could be repurposed as recycling containers in spaces with single-stream

recyclables (in offices for paper, in breakrooms for bottles and cans, etc.).

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Other Recycling Containers and Garbage Cans

No major changes are recommended to the design of the recycling containers and garbage cans in other

areas at DTW other than to ensure they and their service schedule are right-sized for the existing and

future volume of material collected under the current program and any future improvements.

It is recommended that DTW install additional recycling bins or stations in other areas as they are

included in the program and resources allow. This could be accomplished through repurposing bins

retired from the North Terminal. As the existing containers are retired or replaced, the WCAA or

responsible party may want to consider standardizing the shape, color, and/or signage of these

containers to aid in recognition.

G. Signage and Labeling

It is recommended that DTW’s recycling signage be expanded and improved.

The recycling stations in McNamara are labeled for paper, bottles and cans, and trash; however, these

labels can be difficult to read. The WCAA and Delta should consider providing additional signage that

elaborates on the terminal’s program and provides direction for passengers adjacent to recycling

containers if contamination and compliance become issues in the future.

New signage should make use of color, images, and short, clear text to help improve understanding of

which items are recyclable, and which should be thrown away. Once recycling is implemented in the

North Terminal, instructional signage may be necessary to support the program.

One key location for recommended additional signage is in the security checkpoint queuing areas in each

terminal. As described in Section 7C: Reduce and Reuse, the TSA restrictions compel the generation of

waste, and items discovered in passenger luggage must be disposed of in accordance with the agency’s

policies.

In addition, restricted items discovered in passenger luggage by TSA can prompt further security

screening, increasing congestion and wait times in the security line. Clear signage in these areas would

help educate passengers on the restrictions as well as their options to comply with the restrictions to

reduce wait times and prevent throwing these items away.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

H. Other Recommendations

In addition to the strategies recommended above, the following strategies are recommended for DTW’s

waste and recycling program.

Contracts and Leases

It is recommended that WCAA develop contracts for waste and recycling services and infrastructure,

including waste and recycling collection services and bins and containers that support and encourage

recycling.

It is further recommended that the WCAA evaluate opportunities to include recycling and other waste

management preferences and requirements in lease agreements with airlines, tenants, and other

organizations that lease space at DTW. This could be as simple as a clause describing DTW’s recycling

program and requesting lease participation where possible, or as complex as specifying required actions

for specific materials. Expiring leases represent an opportunity to negotiate such inclusions with existing

tenants.

Purchasing Policies and Requirements

It is recommended that WCAA evaluate its procurement and purchasing policy to identify opportunities

to require the use of sustainable materials and supplies. This could include durable items (versus single

use disposable items), supplies containing recycled or post-consumer content (printer paper, paper

towel, paper napkins, etc.), and supplies that offer manufacturer take-back or recycling programs at end

of life (printer cartridges, batteries, etc.)

Additional Facilities and New Development

This plan focused on three areas where the WCAA has the most control or the majority of waste is

generated. In the future, it is recommended that WCAA evaluate the existing recycling practices at

additional facilities at DTW and determine how they might be included in the recycling program. The

same is true of new development projects. As DTW grows and replaces facilities, these areas should be

included in the recycling program as resources allow.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

I. Continuous Improvement

This Plan has described the efforts already in place to manage waste and to reduce, reuse, and recycle

waste materials. However, the best way to improve over time is by instituting a cycle of continuous

improvement. It is recommended that the maintenance and improvement of the recycling program at

DTW follow the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle methodology. This report constitutes the “plan”

element. The rest of the cycle follows the implementation of the recommendations, checks that they

have the intended benefits, and then alters any elements that are not working. This results in a way to

continually improve the program over time.

Plan

The recommended strategies and supporting references make up the “plan” portion of the process. The

planning aspect of this cycle covers defining success (for example, 10 percent recycling by 2020),

establishing materials and areas of focus, collecting baseline information (visual inspections, surveys,

etc.), identifying sub-goals, and identifying strategies. In the future, additional areas of focus, baseline

measurements, and goals could be desirable.

Implementation of strategies included in this plan represents the “do” portion of the process. This

involves implementing the recommendations in this plan and making progress toward achieving the

goals. In “doing,” DTW will continue developing a culture of awareness for waste management and will

begin to enhance the practices and processes for improving and optimizing its activities associated with

reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and other waste management elements at the facility.

Check

After implementing strategies, the “check” portion of the process involves the reporting aspect of the

implementation process. As strategies are implemented, this step involves regularly tracking and

checking the progress toward meeting the goals.

DTW has finite resources (financial, staffing, capital, etc.); therefore, the management and tracking of

the plan must not be unnecessarily arduous. If tracking and checking become too difficult or time

consuming, the entire plan may suffer.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Checking may include the development and use of tools for measuring success and identifying areas for

improvement, including a simple mechanism for feedback and process for reviewing suggestions.

In addition to regular review of the program’s progress, the following scenarios may also trigger re-

evaluation of the program and/or the constraints described in this report:

x New WCAA programs or goals

x New FAA or other federal programs or requirements

x New state recycling laws, requirements, or goals for businesses

x Expanded accepted materials

x New local infrastructure, for example, establishment of a composting facility

x New or changes in tenants or tenant programs or goals

Act

The “act” portion of the process encompasses taking what has been learned in the previous stages and

acting in response. Asking “What did we learn?” and “How can we do better next time?” can be helpful.

By re-evaluating the strategies, activities, goals, and metrics, adjustments can be identified and put into

action.

It is recommended that meetings with a representation from WCAA, YIP Operations, and tenants

participating in the program be held on a regular basis to drive the continuous improvement cycle, and

thereby review the recycling program and plan and implement improvements/adjustments. It is

recommended that participation in these meetings be on a voluntary basis initially.

J. Recommendations Summary

Table 5 summarizes the recommendations to increase recycling and landfill diversion and improve waste

management at DTW as described in the preceding sections.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Recommendations

Table

5: DTW Recycling and Other Waste Management Recommendations

Recommendation Summary

Objectives and Targets/Tracking (All Facilities)

x Set SMART goals for waste and recycling program.

x Support DANTeC and Delta Goals.

x Combine tracking information, calculate recycling rates, and graph trends.

x Establish regular reporting schedule and share information with stakeholders.

Reduce/Reuse

(North Terminal and McNamara Terminal)

x Evaluate reduction and reuse strategies, such as liquid collection stations and donation of unopened food, be

verages, and toiletry

items subject to TSA restrictions.

Recycle/Compost

x Expand paper, plastic, and non-

refundable aluminum can recycling to additional areas and encourage increased recycling of these

materials in areas included in the existing program (North Terminal and McNamara Terminal).

x Collaborate with North Terminal airlines to evaluate adding deplaned paper, plastic, non-

refundable aluminum cans, and plastic

cups to the recycling program (North Terminal)

x Encourage collection and return of refundable cans and glass bottles (All facilities).

x Work collaboratively to identify options for cardboard recycling (All facilities).

x Design strategies for additional materials as they are identified (All facilities).

x Continue and expand food recovery program (All facilities).

x Recognize and encourage restaurant and catering company’s food waste practices (All facilities).

x Evaluate options to implement composting program (All facilities)

Energy

-from-Waste

x Explore options to use local Waste to Energy (WTE) facility.

Education and Outreach

x Improve in-terminal messaging (North Terminal and McNamara Terminal)

x Provide simple training for employees, airlines, tenants, and contractors.

Containers and Bins

(McNamara and North Terminal)

x W

ork with Delta to standardize placement of recycling stations and minimize the number of standalone garbage cans in McNamara

Terminal.

x Work with DANTeC to co-locate recycling bins and minimize the number of standalone garbage cans in North Terminal.

x Right size recycling containers and garbage cans in other areas; optimize service schedules.

Signage and Labeling

(McNamara and North Terminal)

x Work with Delta to provide additional recycling signage in the McNamara Terminal.

x Work with DANTeC to provide instructional signage once recycling is in place at the North Terminal.

x Post additional signage in security checkpoint queuing areas.

Other Recommendations

x Involve WCAA E&S Department in contracting for waste and recycling services.

x Evaluate opportunities to include recycling and other w

aste management considerations in airline, tenant, and other leases

(Environment & Sustainability and Concessions and Quality Assurance).

x Evaluate the procurement and purchasing policy for opportunities to require use of sustainable materials and supplies.

x Evaluate existing practices at additional facilities and include these in the recycling program.

x Include new development projects in the recycling program.

x Maintain and improve the recycling program through PDCA cycle methodology.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Conclusion

8. Conclusion

This plan documents and supports DTW’s compliance with the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of

2012 and FAA guidance on the topic of recycling, reuse, and waste reduction. At DTW, WCAA has an

established employee recycling program for its Administration Offices, Delta has elements of a recycling

program in place in the McNamara Terminal, and DANTeC has the opportunity to implement recycling

at the North Terminal. This Plan describes the existing program and outlines recommended

improvements that will allow DTW to progressively increase landfill diversion and recycling volumes.

$LUSRUW5HF\FOLQJ5HXVHDQG:DVWH5HGXFWLRQ3ODQ

Appendices

9. Appendices

Appendix H1: Wayne County Airport Authority Workplace Recycling Policy

Appendix H2: Detroit Metropolitan Airport North Terminal Waste Composition Study:

Results and Recommendations Report

Appendix H3: Detroit Metropolitan Airport McNamara Terminal Waste Composition Study:

Results and Recommendations Report

Report

Prepared by

Results and

RecommendaƟons

Report

[&/E>]

May 2016

Detroit Metropolitan Airport

North Terminal

Waste ComposiƟon Study

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Table of Contents

L

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7$%/(2)&217(176L



([HFXWLYH6XPPDU\



,QWURGXFWLRQDQG3XUSRVH



([LVWLQJ&RQGLWLRQV



:DVWH6WXG\



$



)DFLOLW\:DON7KURXJK



%



6DPSOH6L]HDQG'LVWULEXWLRQ



&



,GHQWLILFDWLRQRI0DWHULDO&DWHJRULHV



'



6DPSOH&ROOHFWLRQ



(



0DWHULDO 6RUW



)



'DWD$QDO\VLV



:DVWH6RUW'DWD$QDO\VLVDQG5HVXOWV



$



'7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&KDUDFWHULVWLFV



%



'7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH6WUHDP&RPSRVLWLRQ



&



'7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO$LUOLQH$UHDV:DVWH6WUHDP



'



'7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO3XEOLF3DVVHQJHU$UHDV:DVWH6WUHDP



5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV



$



5HFRPPHQGDWLRQVIRU1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWHDQG5HF\FOLQJ%LQV







,QVWDOOOLTXLGFROOHFWLRQVWDWLRQVRXWVLGHWKHVHFXULW\FKHFNSRLQWV







,QVWDOOFRQMRLQHGWKUHHELQFRQWDLQHUVLQWKHSDVVHQJHUDUHDV







,QVWDOOLQVWUXFWLRQDOVLJQDJHRQFRQWDLQHUVDQGWKURXJKRXWWHUPLQDO







&ROOHFWWUDVKDQGUHF\FOHSDSHUDQGEHYHUDJHFRQWDLQHUVIURPSDVVHQJHUDUHDV







&ROOHFWWUDVKSDSHUDQGEHYHUDJHFRQWDLQHUVIURPDLUOLQHDUHDV







3URYLGHWUDLQLQJDQGHGXFDWLRQDORSSRUWXQLWLHVIRUDLUOLQHVWDII

DQG'$17H&HPSOR\HHV



%



$GGLWLRQDO1HDU7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV







&HQWUDOL]HUHF\FOLQJFROOHFWLRQ







&ROOHFWXQRSHQHGZDWHURWKHUEHYHUDJHVIRRGDQGWRLOHWULHV

IRUGRQDWLRQRXWVLGHVHFXULW\FKHFNSRLQWV







(QFRXUDJHDOXPLQXPFDQUHWXUQV







(QFRXUDJHXVHRIVLQNVWRHPSW\FRQWDLQHUVEHIRUHUHF\FOLQJRUWKURZLQJDZD\







&ROOHFWFDUGERDUGIURPDLUOLQHVIRUUHF\FOLQJ 







/DQGILOOJODVVRSHQWRLOHWULHV6W\URIRDPDQGRWKHUZDVWH



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Table of Contents

LL

&



/RQJ7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV±6SHFLILF0DWHULDOV







&ROOHFWFDUGERDUGIURPFRQFHVVLRQDLUHVDQGUHWDLOWHQDQWV







(YDOXDWHFRPSRVWLQJRURWKHUSURFHVVLQJRISDSHUSURGXFWVDQGIRRGZDVWH







(YDOXDWHJODVVSURJUDPZKHQPDUNHWVLPSURYHDQGV\VWHPVEHFRPHDYDLODEOH







(YDOXDWH6W\URIRDPRSWLRQV



'



/RQJ7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV±2YHUDOO3URJUDP







6HWUHF\FOLQJGLYHUVLRQZDVWHUHGXFWLRQRURWKHUZDVWHREMHFWLYHV







0DLQWDLQWUDLQLQJDQGHGXFDWLRQSURJUDPDQGH[SDQGWRRWKHUWHQDQWV







&ROODERUDWHZLWK'$17H&DQGZDVWHKDXOHUWRRSWLPL]HSURJUDP







&RQGXFWIROORZXSZDVWHVRUWWRHYDOXDWHSURJUHVV



&RQFOXVLRQ



5HVRXUFHV



$



$LUSRUW&DVH6WXGLHV 



%



5HF\FOLQJ6LJQDJH5HVHDUFK



$SSHQGLFHV



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Table of Contents

   LLL

Appendices

AppendixA–SampleSizeCalculation

AppendixBͲSampleCollectionInstructions

AppendixC–Sample BagLabel

AppendixD–PhysicalMaterialSortProcedur e



Tables

Table1:EstimatedWasteGenerationatDTWNorthTerminalbySpaceType...............................5

Table2:EstimatedTotalWasteGenerationbyMaterial

DTWNorthTerminalPassenger/PublicSpacesandAirlineAreas................................11





Figures

Figure1: WasteStreamComposition

DTWNorthTerminalPublic/PassengerandAirlineSpaces.........................................10

Figure2:WasteStreamCompositionDTWNorthAirlineSpaces..................................................13

Figure3:WasteStreamCompositionDTWNorthTerminalPublic /PassengerSpaces................15

Figure4:PotentialWasteandRecyclingBinConfigurationOptions............................................

18

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Executive Summary



ExecutiveSummary

Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), operator of Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), is

committed to environmentally responsible operations and comprehensive customer service.

The WCAA Maintenance Department recently identified a need to replacethe existing waste 

andrecyclingbinsinDTW’sNorthTerminal.Asaresult,theWCAADepartmentofEnvironment

and Sustainability

 contracted with Mead & Hunt to conduct the waste composition study

described in this report.The goal of this project was to evaluate the existing waste stream

generatedinpassenger/publicareasandairlinespacesinordertorecommendanoptimalbin

configurationaswellasstrategiestoincreaselandfilldiversion

throughrecycling.

Asofspring2016,the majorityofwastegeneratedinthepassenger/publicand  airlinespaces

waslandfilled(exceptalimitedquantityofpaperwhichwasrecycledandaluminumcansthat

were collected for fundraising through Michigan’s bottle deposit program).A waste sort, a 

facilitywalkͲthrough,andinformalinterviews

withstakeholderswereconductedtodevelopa

baselineandidentifyareasofopportunityforincreasingrecyclingparticipationandcompliance

in order to better divert waste from the landfill. The baseline information and identified

opportunitieswerethebasisforrecommendations,includingrecommendedbinconfiguration,

appropriate for the facility’s waste stream. Data

collected during this project indicates the

existingwastestreamcontainsapproximately20.4percentrecyclablesand79.7percentwaste.

Thewastecomponentismadeupofliquids(19.3percent);compostablesincludingfoodwaste

andpaperproducts(20.7percent);recoverablefood,beverages,andtoiletries (2.79percent);

andotherwastesuchastrash,toiletries,

Styrofoamandglass(whichcurrentlyhaslowvaluein

the recycling market) (36.9  percent).Using this data, a number of recommendations were

identifiedtoincreaserecyclingintheNorthTerminal.

HighlightsofnearͲtermrecommendationsinclude:

• Liquidcollectionstationsatsecuritycheckpoints

• ConjoinedthreeͲstreamcontainersinpassengerareas

• Instructionalsignageoncontainers andthroughoutterminal

• Trashcollectionandpaperandcontainerrecyclinginpassengerandairlineareas

• TrainingandeducationalopportunitiesforairlineandDANTeCemployees

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Executive Summary



The following are longerͲterm recommendations to support overall program continuity and

strength:

• Centralizingrecyclingcollectionpoints

• Collectingrecoverableitemsfordonation

• Collectingcardboardgeneratedbytheairlines

• Evaluatingcompostingofpaperproductsandfoodwaste

• Setting andtrackingprogress towardrecycling,landfilldiversion,wastereduction or

other

goals

• CollaboratingwithDANTeCandthewastecollectioncontractor

• ConductingfollowͲupwastesorts

ThisrangeofrecommendationswillallowtheAirporttheflexibilitytoimplementthosewhich

are compatible with changing conditions and available resources, while providing the

opportunity to position DTW to increase landfill diversion and recycling

over time through a

phased,comprehensiveprogram.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Introduction and Purpose



IntroductionandPurpose

DetroitMetropolitanAirport(DTW)isalargehubcommercialserviceairportlocatedinthecity

of Romulus in Southeast Michigan. DTW is ope rated by the Wayne County Airport Authority

(WCAA). The North Terminal supports the operations of American, Spirit, United, Southwest,

Frontier, Jet Blue, Lufthansa, and Royal  Jordanian, and the Edward

 H. McNamara Terminal

(McNamara Terminal) supports the operations  of Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France. There

weremorethan33millionpassengersand379,000aircraftoperationsatDTWin2015.

ThemajorairlinesoperatingintheNorthTerminalformedthe DetroitAirlines’NorthTerminal

Consortium (DANTeC) to manage terminal operation

and maintenance and support for the

airlines.DANTeCcontractswithISSFacilityServices(ISS)toprovidejanitorialcleaningservicesin

theNorthTerminal,includingthecollectionofsolidwaste(trash)frompublicandairlinespaces.

In February 2016, the  WCAA Department of Environment and Sustainability contracted with

Mead & Hunt to

 conduct a waste stream composition study for the North Terminal

public/passengerareasandairlineactivities.Thepurposeofthestudyistoprovidewastestream

composition information and recycling program recommendations. This study included solid

waste (trash and recyclables) and  excluded hazardous waste and other special wastes. It also

excluded

waste generated in other areas of the terminal (concessions, parking lots, etc.) and

otherairportbuildings.Theresultsofthisstudyareintended tosupportdecisionͲmakingduring

theprocurementofnewwasteandrecyclingbinsfortheNorthTerminalatDTW.Someofthe 

informationandrecommendationscontainedinthis

reportmaybeapplicabletootherareasof

theNorthTerminalandtotheMcNamaraTerminalaswell.

Activities conducted under this study included visual observations of existing conditions;

interviews with WCAA, DANTeC, and ISS staff; and a waste sort. The waste sort included  the

physical sort and measurement of

a sample of the terminal’s waste stream to establish a

characterizationofitscomposition.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study



ExistingConditions

In the passe nger areasof the North Terminal (curbside, circulation, security checkpoints, gate

areas, and baggage claim), recycling bins/trash cans are provided at various locations. These

containersarelabeled“cans&bottles,”“newspaper,”and“trash”and haveopeningsofdifferent

shapesintheirlids(aslotfornewspapers,asmallhole

forcansandbottles,andalargerholefor

trash).Insomecases,thesecontainersarecoͲlocated.Therearealsowastebinsintheterminal

restrooms.Wasteplacedin thesecontainersiscollectedbyISSandtakentoatrashcompactor

locatedinatrashroominthelower

leveloftheterminal.(Therearefouractivetrashroomsin

theterminal;eachutilizingonetrashcompactor.Thefifthtrashroomiscurrentlyempty.)Dueto

challengesincludingunauthorizedrepositioningofthecontainersand contamination,recyclable

materialsplacedinthesecontainersarealsotransferredtotheoneofthetrash

compactorsby

ISS.

In the airline areas of the North Terminal (ticket counters, gate stations, ramp spaces,

breakrooms,andoffices),trashcansareavailable.Someairlinespacesalsohaverecyclingcans

for paper or aluminum cans. The trash cans are emptied by ISS and the waste collected from

thesespaces

isalsotakentothecompactorsinthetrashrooms.Airlinesthatcollectpaperutilize

adedicatedcontractor whoshredsandrecyclesthismaterial.Insomecases,aluminumcansare

managedbyairlineemployeeswhocollectthedepositasafundraising effort.Wastegenerated

aboardflights arrivingatDTWismanaged

bycontractorsforeachairlineattheNorthTerminal.

Thiswasteisalsotakentothetrashroomcompactors.

In the McNamara Terminal, waste is managed by a contractor for Delta Airlines (the majority

operator of this terminal). In 2015, Delta and partners purchased and installed specialized,

conjoinedcontainersin

theterminalconcourseforthecollectionofrecyclablesandtrash.Some

of the containers were labeled “bottles & cans,” “paper,”  or “litter,” and the remainder were

labeledfor“litter”or“recycling.”BasedoninterviewswithWCAAstaffandtheDTWDockmaster,

DeltaAirlinesandtheirpartnersmayhaveremovedsomeof

theconjoinedcontainersinfavorof

thepreviousbinspotentiallyduetocontaminationissues(wastematerialsintherecyclingbins).



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study



WasteStudy

Mead & Hunt staff conducted a facility walk through and waste sort to collect waste stream

compositiondataandestablishabasisforrecyclingprogramrecommendations.Thefollowing

subsectionsdescribethecomponentsofthisstudy.

$ )DFLOLW\:DON7KURXJK

OnMarch1,2016,arepresentativefromWCAADepartmentofEnvironmentandSustainability

provideda

guidedtouroftheNorthTerminalforarepresentativefromMead&Hunt.Thiswalk

throughincluded thepublic/passengerandairlinespaceswithintheNorthTerminalaswell asa

briefvisittotheMcNamaraTerminal.Accesstothe airlinespacesandtrashroomswasfacilitated

by a representative from DANTeC.

 Information and photographs collected during the walkͲ

through were used to establish a baseline of the existing waste  and recycling program in the

NorthTerminal(describedinSection2.ExistingConditions)andtodesignthewastesort.

% 6DPSOH6L]HDQG'LVWULEXWLRQ

A waste sort sample of considerable size was required to provide statistically

significant

information. Based on information provided by WCAA, the North Terminal generates

approximately1,550tons(3,133,000pounds)ofwasteperyear.Pastcasestudiesandwastesorts

showthatairlinesgenerateapproximately44percentofthewastegeneratedatanairport(20

percent deplaned and 24 percent other) and public areas

 contribute about 35 percent.

Concessions and administration spaces contribute 18 percent and three percent, respectively;

however,thesespaceswerenotincludedinthisstudy.Table1:EstimatedWasteGenerationat

DTWNorthTerminalbySpaceTypeshowstheestimatedamountofmaterialgeneratedbyeach

areatypebasedonthe

industryaveragepercentages.

Table1:EstimatedWasteGenerationatDTWNorthTerminalbySpaceType

Approx.

TotalNorth

Terminal

(pounds)

Airline

Public

Areas

Concessions Administration

Deplaned

Other

Airline

Total

20% 24% 44% 35% 18% 3%

3,133,000 626,600 751,920 1,378,520 1,096,550 563,940 93,990

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study



A statistical analysis indicated that a total sample size of approximately 1,750 pounds would

providestatisticallysignificantwastesortresults.Assuminganaveragetrashbagweightofseven

pounds, a sample of this size would equal 190 average bags. To account for variations in bag

weight, 250 bags were requested. See Appendix A for more information about sample size

calculation.

& ,GHQWLILFDWLRQRI0DWHULDO&DWHJRULHV

Once the sample size had been determined, the differentcategoriesthatthe sample material

would be sorted into were identified. Based on information provided by DANTeC’s waste

management contractor, the following items can or cannot be recycled under the current

agreement:



RECYCLABLE

x PaperStream:

• ComputerPaper/ComputerPrintOut

• WhiteLedge



• TabCards

• ColoredLedge



• Newspaper/OldNewsPrint

• MiscellaneousPape



• MixedWastePape



• Shreddedpape



x MetalStream(scrapmetal):

• NonͲFerrousMetals

• FerrousMetals

x CoͲMingledStream:

• Plastics:

 PET(SPI=1)

 HDPE(SPI=2)

 PVC(SPI=3)

 LDPE(SPI=4)

 Polypropylene(SPI=5)

 Polystyrene(SPI=6)

 Other(SPI=7)

• Corrugat

edCardboard



 Paperbags

 Papertowel/toiletpapercores

 Linerboard/Pressboard/Paperboard

•

luminum

• Metals,ExcludingAluminum

 TinCoatedSteelContainers

 BimetalContainers

 MetalJarLidsandBottleCaps

NOTRECYCLABLE

x Glass FOHDUJUHHQEURZQRUPL[HG 

x Paper3URGXFWV

• FacialTissue("Kleenex")

• Whitepapertowelsornapkins

• Unbleachedo

naturalpapertowelsor

napkins

x OtherZDVWH

• Paperbackbooks

• Plasticbags

x Food:DVWH

x Liquids

x Styrofoam

MANAGEDUNDERSEPARATESPECIFICPROGRAMS

(excludedfromthisstudy)

x Universalwaste

x Bulkitems

x Constructionanddemolitiondebris

x Hazardouswaste

x BioͲhazardouswaste

x EͲwaste

x Yardwaste

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study



In addition to the  material categories listed above, unopened packaged food, beverages, and

toiletries that could potentially  be recovered for donation to a charitable organization were

measuredseparately.

' 6DPSOH&ROOHFWLRQ

CollectionofthewastesortsampleswascoordinatedbyWCAAandDANTeCandcompletedby

ISSandWCAAstaff.Thesamplecollection

instructionsprovidedthosestaffforareincludedin

AppendixB:SampleCollectionInstructions.Sampleswerecollectedfromthefollowingareas:

x PublicAreas:

• Curbside

• CheckͲInArea/Circulation

• SterileCirculation

• Ticketing

• PreͲSecurityRestrooms

• SecurityCheckpoints

• SterileRestrooms

• GateWaitingAreas

• BaggageClaim

x AirlineAreas:

• Behind

TicketCounters

• GateStations

• OfficeAreas

• Breakrooms

• DeplanedWaste

• RampSpace

LabelsforthesamplebagsweredesignedbyMead&HuntandprovidedtoISSandtheairlines

byWCAA.Eachlabelprovidedinformationaboutthesample,includingareatype,spacecategory,

samplenumber,etc.Anexample

ofthelabelsisincludedinAppendixC:SampleBagLabel.

( 0DWHULDO6RUW

Over the course of three days, staff from Mead & Hunt sorted and measured the provided

samples.Intotal,thecontentsof217bagscontaining1,727poundsofsolidwasteweresorted.

Duringthewastesort,eachsample bag

wasweighedandthenopened.Thecontentsofeachbag

were sorted into the different material categories and then each category was weighed to

determineitsproportionoftheoverallweight.AppendixD:PhysicalMaterialSortProcedure

providestheprocedureforthephysicalmaterialsortandphotosofthisactivity.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study



Afterthesortwascompleted,allofthewaste materialwasdisposedofbyISSattheairportin

one of the trash room compactors. Liquid waste was collected each day during the sort and

disposedofbyISS.

) 'DWD$QDO\VLV

Followingthewastesort,theresultingdatawas analyzedtoidentifytrendsandcalculate waste

stream composition for the specified areas. The data from 205 bags totaling 1,698 pounds of

wastewasevaluated

.







 7ZHOYHRIWKHVDPSOHEDJVWRWDOLQJSRXQGVZHUHH[FOXGHGIURPWKHGDWDDQDO\VLVEHFDXVHWKH\HDFKKDGDJUHDWHUWKDQ

SHUFHQWGLIIHUHQFHEHWZHHQSUHVRUWZHLJKWDQGDWRWDOZHLJKWRIWKHFRPSRQHQWVJUHDWHUWKDQHUURU

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results



WasteSortDataAnalysisandResults

$ '7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&KDUDFWHULVWLFV

Ofthesamplebagssorted,theaveragebagweightwas8.29pounds;thesmallestbagwas0.15

poundsandthelargestwas67.6pounds.AlloftherecyclableandnonͲrecyclablematerialslisted

inSection3C.IdentificationofMaterialCategorieswerefoundinthesamplebags.Thesample

bags also 

contained some of the materials listed as managed under separate programs (for

example,eͲwastesuchascomputerandelectroniccordsanduniversalwastelikebatteries).

% '7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH6WUHDP&RPSRVLWLRQ

Basedontheresultsofthewastesort,thecompositionofthe overallwastestreamgeneratedin

airline and public/passenger spaces at the DTW

North Terminal is shown in Figure 1: Waste

Stream Composition DTW North TerminalPublic / Passenger and Airline Spaces. The waste

stream is made up of approximately 40 percent “other waste” and trash and 60 percent

compostableitems,liquids andrecyclablematerials.Themostprevalentrecyclablematerialin

the overall waste

 stream is paper. Liquids and compostable items (food waste and paper

productslike paper towel, paper napkins and tissue) contribute a considerableamount to the

overallstream.



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results



Figure1:WasteStreamComposition

DTWNorthTerminalPublic/PassengerandAirlineSpaces

2YHUDOO:DVWH6WUHDP3XEOLF$LUOLQH

6W\URIRDP



*ODVV



7RLOHWULHV



2WKHU:DVWH



8QRSHQHG7RLOHWULHV



5HFRYHUDEOH)RRG



8QRSHQHG:DWHU



8QRSHQHG%HYHUDJHV



)RRG:DVWH



3DSHU3URGXFWV



/LTXLGV



6FUDS0HWDO



0HWDOV



$OXPLQXP



3DSHU



&DUGERDUG



3ODVWLF

























1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results



Applying the percentages calculated from the  waste sort data to the  entire waste stream

generated from the airline and public spaces in the North Terminal results in estimated total

annual generation by material by weight as shown  in Table 2:EstimatedTotalAnnualWaste

GenerationbyMaterialDTWNorthTerminalPassenger/PublicSpacesandAirlineAreas.Due

toMichigan’scanandbottledepositprogram,theamountofaluminumpresentis lowerthan

wouldbeexpectedatanairportinanotherstate.



Table2:EstimatedTotalAnnualWasteGenerationbyMaterial

DTWNorthTerminalPassenger/PublicSpacesandAirlineAreas

Stream/Material Pounds Tons

Percentage

(%)

EstimatedTotal 2,575,400 1,287.70

OtherWaste 898,192 449.10 34.88%

Liquids 497,396 248.70 19.31%

PaperProducts 266,564 133.28 10.35%

FoodWaste 266,492 133.25 10.35%

Paper 264,025 132.01 10.25%

Plastic 143,765 71.88 5.58%

Cardboard 94,430 47.21 3.67% 

UnopenedBeverages 44,568 22.28 1.73%

UnopenedWater 25,678 12.84 1.00% 

Glass 23,442 11.72 0.91% 

Aluminum 19,092 9.55 0.74%

OtherToiletries 17,759 8.88 0.69%

Styrofoam 9,215 4.61 0.36%

ScrapMetal 1,934 0.97 0.08%

RecoverableFood 1,424 0.71 0.06%

Metals 878 0.44 0.03%

UnopenedToiletries 546 0.27 0.02%

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results



& '7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO$LUOLQH$UHDV:DVWH6WUHDP

Based on the waste sort data, the waste generated in airline areas at the North Terminal is

comprisedofmaterialsintheamountsasshowninFigure2:WasteStreamCompositionDTW

NorthAirlineSpaces.Thisfigureincludesdatafromsterilespaces(gatestations,rampspace,and

deplaned waste) and nonͲsterile spaces (behind ticket counters) as well as airline spaces that

could be either of these (breakrooms and offices areas).The predominant recyclable and

compostable materialsgenerated from airline spacesandactivitiesare paper and food waste.

Paperproductsalsocontributeconsiderablytotheairlinewastestream.Asmay

beexpected,the

breakrooms and offices generate notable amounts of food waste  and paper products while

deplaned waste had the largest liquid component compared to the other airline spaces. The

amountoffoodwasteandpaperproducts fromthenonͲsterileairline spacesislargerthanwould

beexpectedbasedon

theairlineactivitiesoccurringintheseareas(primarilyticketing)andthe

expectationthatairlineemployeediningoccursinthebreakrooms.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results



Figure2:WasteStreamCompositionDTWNorthTerminalAirlineSpaces 

2YHUDOO 1RQ6WHULOH 6WHULOH

2IILFHVDQG

%UHDNURRPV

'HSODQHG

6W\URIRDP

    

*ODVV

    

7RLOHWULHV

    

2WKHU:DVWH

    

8QRSHQHG7RLOHWULHV

    

5HFRYHUDEOH)RRG

    

8QRSHQHG:DWHU

    

8QRSHQHG%HYHUDJHV

    

)RRG:DVWH

    

3DSHU3URGXFWV

    

/LTXLGV

    

6FUDS0HWDO

    

0HWDOV

    

$OXPLQXP

    

3DSHU

    

&DUGERDUG

    

3ODVWLF

    























1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results



' '7:1RUWK7HUPLQDO3XEOLF3DVVHQJHU$UHDV:DVWH6WUHDP

Analysis of the data collected from the sample bags showed that waste generated in the

passenger/publicareasoftheNorthTerminaliscomprisedofmaterialsintheamountsshownin

Figure 3: Waste Stream Composition DTW North Terminal Public / Passenger Spaces.This

figureincludesinformationfromsterilespaces(gateareasandsterilerestroom)andnonͲsterile

spaces (curbside, ticketing circulation, checkpoint, restroom, baggage claim). One notable

difference between the nonͲsterile and sterile passenger areas is the greater percentage of

liquids,unopenedbeverages,waterandtoiletries,andrecoverablefoodinthenonͲsterilewaste

stream.



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results



Figure3:WasteStreamCompositionDTWNorthTerminalPublic/PassengerSpaces

2YHUDOO 1RQ6WHULOH 6WHULOH

6W\URIRDP

  

*ODVV

  

7RLOHWULHV

  

2WKHU:DVWH

  

8QRSHQHG7RLOHWULHV

  

5HFRYHUDEOH)RRG

  

8QRSHQHG:DWHU

  

8QRSHQHG%HYHUDJHV

  

)RRG:DVWH

  

3DSHU3URGXFWV

  

/LTXLGV

  

6FUDS0HWDO

  

0HWDOV

  

$OXPLQXP

  

3DSHU

  

&DUGERDUG

  

3ODVWLF

  























1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



Recommendations

BasedontheresultsoftheDTWNorthTerminalpassengerandairlineareaswastestudy,nearͲ

termandlongͲtermrecommendationsweredevelopedtoassisttheAirportinincreasinglandfill

diversionandreducingthefacility’senvironmentalimpactresultingfromwastegeneration.

$ 5HFRPPHQGDWLRQVIRU1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWHDQG5HF\FOLQJ%LQV

1) Installliquidcollectionstationsoutsidethesecuritycheckpoints

It

is recommended that DTW install one liquid collection station at each of the  North

Terminalsecuritycheckpointsforthedisposalofliquidspriortosecurityscreeninginthe

nearͲterm.

Recyclablecontainerscontainingliquidscontaminateothermaterials,aremoredifficult

torecycle,andmayberejectedbyarecycler,whichwill

resultinthembeinglandfilled.

Also,liquidsinawastestreamaddweighttothewastestream.

Thedeploymentofliquidcollectionstationswould reducetheweightofthewastestream

generatedinthisareaandprotectrecyclablematerials.Thewastesortdatashowsavery

strong correlation between weight

of liquids and the weight of plastics in the waste

stream.

Thisobservationsuggeststhatthecollectionand recyclingofothermaterialsin

thewastestreamcanbeenhancedwithavailabilityofadesignatedplacetoemptywater

bottlesandotherbeveragecontainerspriortothembeing depositedintherecyclingbins.

Thesestationsalsoencouragepassengerstoemptytheirreusable

anddisposablewater

bottlesandrefilltheminthesterileareaafterclearingscreening.

Liquid collection stations are available  from various manufacturers and can also be

fabricated inͲhouse. These stations require maintenance and servicing, specifically

emptyingintoadesignateddrain.







 7KHGDWDKDVDFRUUHODWLRQFRHIILFLHQWRU³UYDOXH´RIEHWZHHQOLTXLGVDQGSODVWLFV7KLVFRHIILFLHQWUDQJHVIURPQHJDWLYHRQH

WRSRVLWLYHRQHWRDQGWKHFORVHUWKHGDWD¶VFRHIILFLHQWLVWRHLWKHUHQGRIWKLVVSHFWUXPWKHPRUHFORVHO\UHODWHGWKH

YDULDEOHVPD\EH

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



Liquid collection stations also provide a benefittocustodial staff. Diverting liquids to a

collection station from the waste or recycling stream can reduce the overall weight of

waste and recycling bags, which can reduce the frequency at which bags need to be

emptiedinordernottoexceedcomfortableorsafehandlingweights.Divertingtheliquids

willalsoreducetheneedtoreinforcethebags(doublebag)duetoleaks.

2) InstallconjoinedthreeͲbincontainersinthepassengerareas

Itis recommendedthata networkofconjoinedthreebincontainersbe installedinthe

passenger/publicareasoftheNorthTerminal.

The use of conjoined containers will help reduce contamination, maintain proper

placement,andprovideaconsistentbin configurationthroughoutthebuilding.Thiscan

beaccomplishedwith asingleunitwithmultipleinteriorbinsorseparatebinsthatcanbe

connectedtogether(i.e.withvendorsuppliedmagnetsorconnectorkits).Itis

desirable

thattherebeenoughbinsdeployedintheNorthTerminaltoprovideconvenientaccess

toallpassengerareas.

Basedonthedatafromthewastesort,itis furtherrecommendedthatonecompartment

bethreetofourtimeslargerthanthetwoothers(1.5to2timeslargerthan

thetwoothers

together).Ideally, the larger bin should be sized to accommodate landfill bound trash,

whichmakesupon average 60 percentof the current waste stream(36percentother

wasteplus 3percentunopenedfood,beveragesandtoiletriesplus21percentfoodwaste 

andpaperproducts).Sizing  this waste

bintoaccommodate some of thematerialsthat 

couldberecycledbutmaynotbedisposedofintherecyclingcontainersisalsodesirable.

Thiswouldleaveoneofthetwosmallerbinsforpaper(includingmagazines,newspaper,

andprinterpaper)andthesecondbinforplasticbottlesoraluminum

cansorboth(see

itemfourbelow).

The recycling program can benefit from bin lids with specific openings for different

streamsasthesehavebeenshowntoreducecontamination.Thelargerwastebinshould

havealargeopeningforwasteand thesmallrecyclingbinsshouldhaveasmallholefor



bottles/cansandaslotforpaper.



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



Colorcodingshouldalsobeincorporatedintothebinand/orliddesign.Blueshouldbe

usedforthebinsforbottles/cansandpaperandgreyorblackfortrash(reservinggreen

forfutureorganics/composting).Ifthecontainersareallorderedinthesamecolorand

the lids  are designed with different colors, they will  have a consistent look and the

programcanbechangedbychangingthelidsversusreplacingallthecans.

Theidealcontainer setupwouldhavea20percentpaper,20percentbottles(andcans)

and60percentwaste sizingscheme.However,commerciallyavailablestandardsizesmay

providearatiocloserto25percent,25percentand50percent.Thisratiowouldworkin

theDTWNorthTerminalaslongasthewastebinis largerthantheothertwo.Thisratio

canalsobeachievedbydesigningstationswithtworecyclingbins(oneforpaper,onefor



bottles/cans)andtwotrashunitsiftheyareallthesamesize(fourbinsintotalforthree

streams).ThisconfigurationwouldalsoallowWCAAtoconvertoneofthetrashbinsinto

an organics/composting collection bin in the future. The mockͲups below (Figure 4:

Potential Waste and Recycling

 Bin Configuration Options) show a few potential

configurationsthatcouldworkforthewasteandrecyclingbins.



 Figure4:PotentialWasteandRecyclingBinConfigurationOptions



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



3) Installinstructionalsignageoncontainersandthroughoutterminal

In order to increase and improve participation in the recycling program, it is

recommended that DTW design and install clear, concise, colorͲcoded signage on the

conjoinedthreeͲbincontainersaswellasthroughouttheterminal.

Signageprovidesrecyclinginstructionsandadditionalinformation,whichcanhelpreduce

contaminationandencourageparticipation.Signagethatacknowledgestheextraeffort

recyclingrequiresordescribesafacility’sprogresstowardrecyclinggoalshasbeenshown

tofurtherimproveparticipation.

Anacknowledgmentoftheextraeffortrequiredbyrecyclingand descriptions ofDTW’s

recyclingrateaswellasthe

WCAAsustainabilitylogocouldbeincorporatedintothebin

labels,posters,andothersigns.Vinylclingsorlargestickersonthefacesofthecontainers

will allow for consistent application in the container arrangements throughout the 

terminalandcanbechangedastheprogramdevelops.

4) Collecttrashandrecyclepaper,and

beveragecontainersfrompassengerareas

For the passenger areas, it is recommended that DTW collect trash, and recycle paper

(primarilymagazinesandnewspapers)andbeveragecontainers.

Paperwasnotasprevalentasbeveragecontainers(byweight)inthewastestream,but

it is a material that may be considered more

valuable than other  recycled materials.

CoordinationwithISSandthewastehaulingcontractorisneededtoplanthelogisticsof

collecting paper as a separate stream from other materials (specifically trash and

beveragecontainersthatcancontaminatethesematerials).

Furthercoordinationwiththewastehaulingcontractorisneededtodeterminewhether



astreamcontainingonlyplasticbottlesisdesirablegivencurrentmarketconditionsand

whether such a stream would be kept segregated (versus being mixed with other

comingled materials). If the stream is  acceptable to the contractor and can be kept

segregated, one of the bins in the conjoined container should

be labeled for “Plastic

Bottles.”



1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



IfaplasticsͲonlystreamisundesirableorwouldbemixedwithothercomingledmaterials

during sorting at the contractor’s facility, the collection at DTW could also include the

smallnumberofaluminumcansthatarenotremovedbyemployeesorthatdonothave

adepositundertheStateofMichigan’sprogram(forexample,fruitjuiceorwaterinan

aluminumcan).Underthisscenario,oneofthe smallerbinsintheconjoinedcontainer

shouldbelabeledfor“PlasticBottlesandAluminumCans.”

EvenifthepaperandbeveragecontainerstreamsaregoingtobecoͲmingledonͲsite(for

example,inacompactorordumpsterinatrashroom)orbythecontractor,separatebins

arestillrecommendedbecausetheyhavebeenshowntoreducecontaminationoverall.

5) Collecttrash,paperandbeveragecontainersfromairlineareas

Similar to the passenger area recommendation, it is recommended that DTW collect

trash,paper

andbeveragecontainersfromtheairlineareas.Furthercoordinationwith

DANTeCand theairlineswillberequiredtodetermine howtoconfiguretheseelements

whilecontinuingexistingpaperandaluminumcancollection.

6) Provide training and educational opportunities for airline staff and DANTeC

employees

Inordertointroducenewstrategiesand

answerquestionsabouttherecyclingprogram,

itisrecommendedthatWCAAimplementatrainingprogramforairlinestaffandDANTeC

employees.

A training  program will promote program participation and compliance, resulting in

increasedrecyclingandreducedcontamination.Contentofthetrainingsessionsshould

bestandardizedtoprovideaconsistentmessage.Information

fromthewastecollection

contractor should be incorporated into the training program. In addition, different

stakeholdersintherecyclingprogramshouldbeaskedtoprovidecontent ortopresent.

This program would work best if offered at times that are convenient  for attendees’

schedulesand,ifpossible,combinedwithother

trainingstouseemployeetimeefficiently.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



% $GGLWLRQDO1HDU7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV

1) Centralizerecyclingcollection

TheremotelocationofTrashRoomFivemaydiscourage properdisposalofrecyclables

collectedfromwithintheterminal.ItisrecommendedthatDTWevaluatereconfiguring

theexistingtrashroomssothatrecyclingiscentrallylocated(i.e.setupinTrashRoom

Three)andthewastecompactorsarearrangedintheothertrashroomstothenorthand

south (Trash Rooms  One, Two, Four, and Five). This reconfiguration would  reduce the

traveldistancetothetrashroomdesignatedforrecyclingandincreasecompliancewith

therecyclingprogrambyallusers.

2) Collect unopened water, other beverages, food and toiletries for

 donation

outsidesecuritycheckpoints

ItisrecommendedthatWCAAinvestigatethefeasibilityofcollectingunopenedbottles

ofwater,otherbeverages,foodandtoiletriesthatarerestrictedfromcarryͲonluggage

and donating them to a local charity or other organization.  In compliance with TSA

requirements, these items may need to

be collected prior to the  security checkpoint

queuingarea.Inordertoimplementthisrecommendation,coordinationbetweenWCAA,

arepresentativefromTSA,andthedesignatedreceivingorganizationwouldbeneeded.

3) Encouragealuminumcanreturns

ItisrecommendedthatWCAAallowseparationandcollectionofredeemablecontainers

tocontinuebecausethesecontainers

arerecycledaftertheyareredeemed,whichisthe

ultimategoalofarecycling program.Itmaybepossibletocollect thenonͲredeemable

containers with plastic bottles,  pending the waste hauling contractor’s program (see

above).

In1976,theStateofMichiganenactedtheMichiganBeverageContainerActtoreduce

roadsidelitter,cleanuptheenvironmentandconserveenergyandnaturalresources.This

act covers beer, soft drinks, carbonated and mineral water, wine coolers, and canned

cocktailsinanyairtightmetal,glass,paper,orplasticcontainerunderonegalloninsize. 

A deposit of 10 cents is added to the purchase

 price of these beverages and returned

whenthecontainersareredeemed.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



Basedonthedatafromthewaste sort,itappearsthataluminumcansareefficientlybeing

scavengedfromthewastestream.Thealuminumcansthat werefoundincludedthose

that had contained beverages not coveredunder Michigan’s Container Act (fruit juices

andwater,forexample).Thesecontainersarerecyclable;theynotarenotredeemable

forthedeposit.

4) Encourageuseofsinkstoemptycontainersbeforerecyclingorthrowingaway

Asdiscussedabove,liquidsinthewastestreamaddextraweighttothetrashbagsand

contaminate recyclable materials. For the airline spaces, WCAA should post simple

signage asking employees to empty

their beverage containers (for example, in a

breakroomsink)beforerecyclingitandtothrowawayanycontainer theydonotempty

(so as not to contaminate the  recycling stream). The signage for this campaign should

explain that dry waste and recycling is easier to manage and process while helping

employees

understandwhythisextrastepisimportanttotheprogram.

5) Collectcardboardfromairlinesforrecycling

ItisrecommendedthatWCAAconsiderprovidingacentralizedlocationforthecollection

ofcardboardandoffering thisservicetotheairlinestoencourageconsistentrecyclingof

thismaterial.Theairlinesgeneratearespectable

amountofcardboard,whichhashada

fairly steady value in the recyclables market.Coordination with the waste collection

contractorwouldbeneededtodeterminethespecificsofthiselement.

6) Landfillglass,opentoiletries,Styrofoamandotherwaste

Itis recommendedthatWCAAcontinue tolandfillglass,opentoiletries,Styrofoam,

and

otherwastegeneratedattheNorthTerminal.

Whileglassisrecyclable,atthistimethecosttomanageandhandlethis  fragile,heavy

material,coupledwithitslowvalueinthemarketmakeitundesirableinmany recycling

programs. In addition, broken glass contaminates other recyclable materials and can

cause

issuesinasortingfacility.Ifthemarketandinfrastructureforglassimprove,WCAA

shouldworkwiththeirwastecollectioncontractortoevaluateincludingthismaterialin

therecyclingprogram.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



& /RQJ7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV±6SHFLILF0DWHULDOV

1) Collectcardboardfromconcessionairesandretailtenants

Although these areas were excluded from the sort, the cardboard program described

aboveshouldbeexpandedtotheterminaltenantsasasecondphase.Thiswouldincrease 

the quantity of cardboard collected. Other airport waste studies have shown that

cardboard is one of the most prevalent materials in the waste stream generated by

concessionaires(restaurants)andretailstores.

2) Evaluatecompostingorotherprocessingofpaperproductsandfoodwaste

OncetherecyclingprogramattheNorthTerminalisestablished,itisrecommendedthat

WCAA evaluate adding a composting or processing element. Paper products, such

 as

napkins,papertowelandfacialtissue,andfoodwaste(includingfoodscrapsfromfood

preparationactivities)canbecompostedinacommercialfacility.Insomeairports,these

materials are collected in the terminal and processed offͲsite by a composting facility.

Other processing technology, for example, digesters and treatment

systems, are

becoming more available  and being used at aviation facilities,  such as flight meal prep 

kitchens.Furtherinvestigationintotheavailabilityofacommercialcompostingfacilityor

otherprocessingtechnologyandcollectionservicesforthesematerialswouldbeneeded

whenWCAAwasreadytoconsiderthisadditionalelement.

3) Evaluateglass

programwhenmarketsimproveandsystemsbecomeavailable

As noted above, glass is currently undesirable in many recycling programs. It is

recommendedthatWCAAandDANTeCcoordinatewiththeirwastecollectioncontractor

toreceivenotificationifthemarketimproves.Atthattime,WCAAcouldevaluatehowto

addglasscollection

totherecyclingprogram.

4) EvaluateStyrofoamoptions

Use of Styrofoam has been banned from use in some airports, specifically by

concessionairesandrestaurants.Atthistime,Styrofoammakesupasmallportionofthe

overallwastestream(byweight).Thismayindicatethatfewoftheterminaltenantsare

using Styrofoam.

 WCAA could be approached to substitute another more

environmentallyfriendlymaterial,however,thisisalowpriorityrecommendation.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



' /RQJ7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV±2YHUDOO3URJUDP

1) Setrecycling,diversion,wastereductionorotherwasteobjectives

ItisrecommendedthatWCAAsetrecycling,landfilldiversion,waste reductionorother

wasteobjectivestoguiderecyclingprogramefforts.Theseobjectivescouldbeestablished

duringthedevelopmentofafacilityͲwidesustainabilityplan.Thewastesortcompleted

under this study providesbaselineinformation for the  airline and passenger areasand

shouldbereplicatedforthe tenant spaces.Atsomeairports,thecitythatownsthefacility

has an overall cityͲwide recycling or diversion goal; in other cases, the airport has

proactivelysettheirownindependent metrics.WCAAhasnotbeen

mandatedtomeeta

particular recycling level, but can draw inspiration from the State of Michigan’s 30Ͳ

percent recycling goal or another appropriate benchmark. Progress toward such goals

doesrequiretracking,butcanalsoprovideinformationonprogressandimprovements,

whichcanbeavaluablemarketingandeducationtool.

2) Maintain

trainingandeducationprogramandexpandtoothertenants

Onceatrainingandeducationprogramisimplemented, itisrecommendedthatWCAA

actively maintain such a program to facilitate its continued success. The content of

trainingsshouldbeupdatedastheprogramchangesandgrows.Additionaltenantscan

be included in

 the training program as new strategies that impact their activities are

implemented.Providingusersoftherecyclingprogramwith clear,actionableinformation

facilitates their participation and compliance and provides a mechanism to receive

feedbackandideasforimprovement.

3) CollaboratewithDANTeCandwastehaulertooptimizeprogram

Itisrecommended

thatWCAAconsiderformalizingtheir collaborationwithDANTeCand

thewastecollectioncontractortooptimizeandmonitortherecyclingprogram.Amore

formalcollaborationislikelytoleadtoimprovementsandexpansionoftheprogramand

thereforeresultinreducedcostsand/orimprovedenvironmentalstewardship.

4) ConductfollowͲupwastesortto

evaluateprogress

Once selected strategies are implemented, it is recommended that WCAA conduct a

followͲupwastesortduringthenextthreetofiveyearstoevaluateprogressandidentify

additionalopportunitiesforimprovement.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion



6.

Conclusion

Results from the material sort, facility walkͲthrough, and informal interviews helped identify

areas of waste management where WCAA should focus effort and resources. These

recommendations, when implemented, are designed to help the WCAA to increase landfill

diversionandrecycling,providingsocial,economic,andenvironmentalbenefitstoDTWandits

community.

 In order to realize the benefits of the recommendations describedin this report,

implementation of these strategies will need to be phased and appropriately timed based on

existing conditions and available resources. Collaboration with DANTeC’s waste and recycling

managementcontractorwillbeimportanttothesuccessofthesestrategies.

It

is important to note thatadditional strategies might make sense to implement over a longͲ

term basis, as waste  management at a complex facility like DTW is dynamic and

recommendationsthatmaynotbeprudentnowcouldbecomefeasibleinthefuture.Therefore,

itisrecommendedthatinadditiontothe

strategieslistedabove,thatWCAAperiodicallyevaluate

itsprogramtodetermineiftheprogramelementsareworkingasexpected.Iftheprogramisnot

performing as expected, a waste sort can help  identify further areas for correction or

improvement. By checking results and adjusting course as needed, WCAA can create

a truly

dynamicandsustainablewastemanagementprogram.

1RUWK7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

References



7.

Resources

$ $LUSRUW&DVH6WXGLHV

Atkin,Peter.HowAirlines andAirportsCanCleanUpTheir Recycling Programs.Rep.Natural

ResourcesDefenseCouncil,Dec.2006.Web.

Mehta, Sam. "San Francisco International Airport Passenger Food Waste Composting

Program."22Dec.2015.Telephoneinterview.

Ralston, Phil. "PDX Waste Management." Airports Going Green Conference. Chicago, IL. 6

Aug.2009.

Presentation.

Recycling,Reuse and Waste ReductionatAirports.ASynthesisDocument.FederalAviation

AdministrationOfficeofAirports,24Apr.2013.Web.

SeattleTacomaInternationalAirportGuidetoRecycling.PortofSeattle,2010.Web.



% 5HF\FOLQJ6LJQDJH5HVHDUFK

Katzev, R. & Mishima, H.R. (1992). The use of posted feedback to promote recycling.

Psychological

Reports,71(1),259Ͳ264.

Werner, C.M., Stoll, R., Birch, P., & White, P.H. (2002). Clinical validation and  cognitive 

elaboration: signs that encourage sustained recycling. Basic and Applied Social

Psychology,24,185Ͳ203.



0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Table of Contents

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 1

1. Introduction and Purpose ..................................................................................................................... 3

2. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................................... 4

3. Waste Study ......................................................................................................................................... 6

A. Facility Walk Through ............................................................................................................................... 6

B. Sample Size and Distribution .................................................................................................................... 6

C. Identification of Material Categories ....................................................................................................... 7

D. Sample Collection ..................................................................................................................................... 8

E. Material Sort ............................................................................................................................................ 9

F. Data Analysis ............................................................................................................................................ 9

4. Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results .................................................................................................. 10

A. DTW McNamara Terminal Waste Sample Characteristics ..................................................................... 10

B. DTW McNamara Terminal Waste Stream Composition ......................................................................... 10

C. DTW McNamara Terminal Airline Admin Areas Waste Stream ............................................................. 13

D. DTW McNamara Terminal Airline Areas Waste Stream ......................................................................... 15

E. DTW McNamara Terminal Deplaned Waste Stream .............................................................................. 17

F. DTW McNamara Terminal Public/Passenger Areas Area Waste Stream ............................................... 19

G. DTW McNamara Terminal Restroom Waste Stream ............................................................................. 21

H. DTW McNamara Terminal Restaurant Waste Stream ........................................................................... 23

I. DTW McNamara Terminal Retail Waste Stream .................................................................................... 25

5. Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. 27

A. Near-Term Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 27

B. Long-Term Recommendations ............................................................................................................... 31

6. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 32

7. Resources........................................................................................................................................... 33

8. Appendices ........................................................................................................................................ 34

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Executive Summary

Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), operator of Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW or

Airport), is in the process of completing an Airport Master Plan project for the facility. Planning

for issues related to recycling and waste management is required under such a project per the

FAA Modernization and Reform Act (FMRA) of 2012. As a result, Leigh Fisher, the master planning

consultant for DTW, subcontracted with Mead & Hunt to conduct the waste composition study

described in this report as well as to develop a comprehensive Airport Recycling, Reuse, and

Waste Reduction Plan in order to meet the FMRA requirements (available under separate cover).

The goal of the waste composition study was to evaluate the existing waste stream generated in

the McNamara Terminal and supplement information collected during a previous study in the

North Terminal. The goal of the overall plan was to document the existing practices at the Airport

and recommend strategies to increase landfill diversion through recycling and other approaches.

To evaluate the composition of the waste stream generated at the McNamara Terminal (and to

inform the overall Airport recycling plan), a waste sort, a facility walk-through, and informal

interviews with stakeholders were conducted to develop a baseline and identify areas of

opportunity for increasing recycling participation and compliance in order to better divert waste

from the landfill. The baseline information and identified opportunities were the basis for

recommendations appropriate for the terminal’s waste stream. Data collected during this project

indicates the existing McNamara Terminal waste stream contains approximately 19 percent

recyclables and 81 percent waste. The waste component is made up of liquids (16 percent);

compostables including food waste and paper products (24 percent); and other waste (42

percent) such as trash and Styrofoam. Using this data, a number of recommendations were

identified to increase recycling in the North Terminal.

Highlights of near-term recommendations include:

- Increase stakeholder involvement

- Provide training and education

- Evaluate compactor convenience

- Address airline administration, deplaned, and airline area recyclables

- Plan for liquids

- Continue and improve food donation program

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Executive Summary

The following are longer-term recommendations to support overall program continuity and

strength:

- Pilot then expand composting program

- Expand recycling program

This range of recommendations will allow the Airport and stakeholders the flexibility to

implement those which are compatible with changing conditions and available resources, while

providing the opportunity to position DTW’s McNamara Terminal to increase landfill diversion

and recycling over time through a phased, comprehensive program.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Introduction and Purpose

1. Introduction and Purpose

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW or Airport) is a large hub commercial service airport located

in the city of Romulus in Southeast Michigan. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport

Authority (WCAA). The Edward H. McNamara Terminal (McNamara Terminal) supports the

operations of Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France and the North Terminal supports the

operations of American, Spirit, United, Southwest, Frontier, Jet Blue, Lufthansa, and Royal

Jordanian. There were more than 33 million passengers and 379,000 aircraft operations at DTW

in 2015.

Delta manages terminal operation and maintenance and support for the airlines in the

McNamara Terminal. Delta contracts with ABM for building maintenance and ABM subcontracts

Diverse Facility Solutions (DFS) to provide janitorial cleaning services in the McNamara Terminal,

including the collection of solid waste (trash) from public and airline spaces. Delta also contracts

with Prospect Airport Services (Prospect) to provide aircraft cabin cleaning services.

In October 2016, airport consultant Leigh Fisher contracted with Mead & Hunt to conduct a waste

stream composition study for the McNamara Terminal, including waste generated in airline

administration areas, other airline areas, and aboard inbound domestic flights (deplaned waste);

public passenger areas, restrooms, restaurants, and retail areas. The purpose of the study is to

provide waste stream composition information and recycling program recommendations. This

study included solid waste (trash and recyclables) and excluded hazardous waste and other

special wastes. It also excluded waste generated in other areas of the terminal (parking lots, etc.)

and other airport buildings. The results of this study are intended to inform the development of

a terminal-wide recycling plan and supplement information collected during a waste sort

conducted at the North Terminal for inclusion in an overall Airport Recycling, Reuse, and Waste

Reduction Plan. Some of the information and recommendations contained in this report may be

applicable to the North Terminal and other areas of the Airport as well.

Activities conducted under this study included visual observations of existing conditions;

interviews with WCAA and Delta staff; and a waste sort. The waste sort included the physical sort

and measurement of a sample of the terminal’s waste stream to establish a characterization of

its composition.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Existing Conditions

2. Existing Conditions

Delta Air Lines (Delta) operates and maintains the McNamara Terminal under an agreement with

WCAA. Delta contracts with ABM for facility maintenance and Prospect for aircraft cabin cleaning

services. ABM contracts with DFS for janitorial /facility cleaning services.

In the passenger areas of the McNamara Terminal (curbside, circulation, security checkpoints,

gate areas, and baggage claim), recycling bins/trash cans are provided at various locations. The

recycling bins are conjoined into three stream stations, with a bin each for beverage containers

or “bottles & cans,” “paper,” and garbage or “litter.” These stations have openings of different

shapes in their lids (a round hole for beverage containers, a rectangular slot for paper, and a

square opening for garbage. Based on interviews with WCAA staff, the DTW Dockmaster, Delta

and their partners may have removed some conjoined recycling containers due to contamination

issues (waste materials in the recycling bins). The garbage bins in these areas are tall, round, and

grey or silver cans with a round opening in the lid; these containers are not labeled. There are

also waste bins in the terminal restrooms.

Waste placed in the containers in the public areas is collected by DFS and taken to a trash

compactor, typically located in a trash room in the lower level of the terminal, or a dumpster

outside the terminal. There are more than 20 dumpsters and compactors located at the

McNamara Terminal. Recyclable materials placed in the recycling stations are also collected by

ABM and transferred to one of four trash rooms designated and equipped with a compactor for

recyclable materials.

In the airline areas of the McNamara Terminal (administration offices, ticket counters, gate

stations, breakrooms, and other offices), trash cans and paper recycling bins are available. These

containers are emptied by DFS and the material collected from these spaces is taken to the

appropriate trash rooms and compactors. Delta also utilizes a dedicated contractor who shreds

and recycles paper material. In some cases, aluminum cans are managed by airline employees

who collect the deposit as a fundraising effort.

Waste and recyclable materials generated aboard flights arriving at the McNamara Terminal are

managed by Prospect. This waste is also taken to the appropriate trash room compactors.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Existing Conditions

In 2016, WCAA was awarded a grant by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to

address food waste at DTW. The resulting food recovery program is operated by staff from WCAA

Environment and Sustainability Department and diverts unwanted food from the landfill to a

local food pantry. To date, the program has captured and donated nearly 10,800 pounds of food

from three concessionaires and Delta’s SkyClub lounge. Using a conversion rate of 1.2 pounds

per meal, this represents approximately 9,000 meals.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study

3. Waste Study

Mead & Hunt staff conducted a facility walk through and waste sort to collect waste stream

composition data and establish a basis for recycling program recommendations. The following

subsections describe the components of this study.

)DFLOLW\:DON7KURXJK

On October 13, 2016, a representative of Delta provided a guided tour of the McNamara Terminal

for representatives from Mead & Hunt and WCAA Department of Environment and Sustainability.

This walk through included the public/passenger areas, airline spaces, and trash rooms within

the McNamara Terminal. Information and photographs collected during the walk-through were

used to establish a baseline of the existing waste and recycling program in the McNamara

Terminal (described in Section 2. Existing Conditions) and to design the waste sort.

6DPSOH6L]HDQG'LVWULEXWLRQ

A waste sort sample of considerable size was desired to provide statistically significant

information. Based on information provided by Delta, the McNamara Terminal generates

approximately 7,540 of waste per year. Past case studies and waste sorts show that airlines

generate approximately 44 percent of the waste generated at an airport (20 percent deplaned

and 24 percent other); public areas contribute about 35 percent; concessions and administration

spaces contribute 18 percent and three percent, respectively. Table 1: Estimated Waste

Generation at DTW McNamara Terminal by Space Type shows the estimated amount of material

generated by each area type based on the industry average percentages.

Table

1: Estimated Waste Generation at DTW McNamara Terminal by Space Type

Approx. Total

McNamara

Terminal

(tons)

Airline

Public

Areas

Concessions

Administration

Deplaned

Other

Airline

Total

20% 24%

44%

35%

18% 3%

7,540 1,508

1,810

3,318

2,639

1,357 226

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study

A statistical analysis indicated that a total sample size of approximately 1,280 pounds would

provide statistically significant waste sort results. Assuming an average trash bag weight of eight

pounds, a sample of this size would equal 160 average bags. To account for variations in bag

weight, 225 bags were requested. See Appendix A: Sample Size Calculation for more

information.

,GHQWLILFDWLRQRI0DWHULDO&DWHJRULHV

Once the sample size had been determined, the different categories that the sample material

would be sorted into were identified based on the categories used for the waste composition

study at the North Terminal. These categories are as follows:

RECYCLABLE

x Paper:

• Computer Paper / Computer Print

Out

• White Ledger

• Tab Cards

• Colored Ledger

• Newspaper / Old News Print

• Miscellaneous Paper

• Mixed Waste Paper

• Shredded paper

x Plastic:

• PET (SPI = 1)

• HDPE (SPI = 2)

• PVC (SPI = 3)

• LDPE (SPI = 4)

• Polypropylene (SPI = 5)

• Polystyrene (SPI = 6)

• Other (SPI = 7)

x Cardboard

• Paper bags

• Paper towel/toilet paper cores

• Linerboard/Pressboard/

Paperboard

x Aluminum

x Metal, Excluding Aluminum

• Tin Coated Steel Containers

• Bimetal Containers

• Metal Jar Lids

NOT RECYCLABLE

x Glass (clear, green, brown, or mixed)

x Paper Products

• Facial Tissue ("Kleenex")

• White paper towels or napkins

• Unbleached or natural paper towels

or napkins

x Other waste

• Paperback books

• Plastic bags

x Food Waste

x Liquids

x Styrofoam

MANAGED UNDER SEPARATE SPECIFIC

PROGRAMS (excluded from this study)

x Universal waste

x Bulk items

x Construction and demolition debris

x Hazardous waste

x Bio-hazardous waste

x E-waste

x Yard waste

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study

In addition to the material categories listed above, food waste and paper products that could

potentially be recovered for composting were measured separately. Unlike the North Terminal

Study, this study did not measure unopened packaged food, beverages, and toiletries that could

potentially be recovered for donation due to the low number of samples from the pre-security

spaces and food suitable for donation in the restaurant sample bags.

6DPSOH&ROOHFWLRQ

Collection of the waste sort samples was coordinated by Delta and completed by DFS and

Prospect staff. The sample collection instructions provided for those staff are included in

Appendix B: Sample Collection Instructions. Samples were collected from the following areas:

 Delta Administration Offices

 Other Airline Spaces:

o Ticket counters

o Breakrooms

o Non-administration offices

o Gate stations

 Deplaned Waste

(inbound domestic flights)

 Terminal Restaurants

o Including grab and go, quick

serve, and sit down

restaurants

 Retail Areas

 Public Areas:

o Curbside

o Ticketing check in

o Baggage claim

o Gate areas/holdrooms

o Express Tram Stations

o Restrooms

Labels for the sample bags were designed by Mead & Hunt and provided to Delta by WCAA. Each

label provided information about the sample, including area type, space category, sample

number, etc. An example of the labels is included in Appendix C: Sample Bag Label.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Study

0DWHULDO6RUW

Over the course of three days, staff from Mead & Hunt sorted and measured the provided

samples. In total, the contents of 225 bags containing 886 pounds of solid waste were sorted.

Due to low average bag weights, the sample size was smaller than designed; a discussion of the

adjusted level of significance is included in Appendix A.

During the waste sort, each sample bag was weighed and then opened. The contents of each bag

were sorted into the different material categories and then each category was weighed to

determine its proportion of the overall weight. Appendix D: Physical Material Sort Procedure

provides the procedure for the physical material sort and photos of this activity.

After the sort was completed, all of the waste and recyclable materials were disposed of by DFS

at the Airport in compactors appropriate for the material. Liquid waste was collected each day

during the sort and disposed of by the sort team in a stormwater drain identified by Delta.

'DWD$QDO\VLV

Following the waste sort, the resulting data was analyzed to identify trends and calculate waste

stream composition for the specified areas.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

4. Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH6DPSOH&KDUDFWHULVWLFV

Of the sample bags sorted, the average bag weight was 3.94 pounds; the smallest bag was 0.10

pounds and the largest was 25 pounds. All of the recyclable and non-recyclable materials listed

in Section 3C: Identification of Material Categories were found in the sample bags. The sample

bags also contained some of the materials listed as managed under separate programs (for

example, e-waste such as computer and electronic cords and universal waste like batteries).

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH6WUHDP&RPSRVLWLRQ

Based on the results of the waste sort, the composition of the overall waste stream generated by

airline administration, airline, deplaned, public/passenger, restroom, restaurant, and retail

activities at the DTW McNamara Terminal is shown in Figure 1: Waste Stream Composition DTW

McNamara Terminal- Overall. The waste stream is made up of approximately 42 percent “other

waste” and trash and 58 percent compostable items, liquids, and recyclable materials. The most

prevalent recyclable material in the overall waste stream is plastic. Liquids and compostable

items (food waste and paper products like paper towel, paper napkins and tissue) contribute a

considerable amount to the overall stream.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 1: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal - Overall

Overall Waste Stream

Styrofoam

0.36%

Glass

2.35%

Other Waste

41.22%

Food

19.56%

Paper Products

4.43%

Liquids

15.85%

Metals

0.28%

Aluminum

1.49%

Paper

5.85%

Cardboard

2.24%

Plastic

6.90%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Applying the percentages calculated from the waste sort data to the entire waste stream

generated from the McNamara Terminal results in estimated total annual generation by material

by weight as shown in Table 2: Estimated Total Annual Waste Generation by Material DTW

McNamara Terminal. Due to Michigan’s can and bottle deposit program, the amount of

aluminum present is lower than would be expected at an airport in another state.

Table 2: Estimated Total Annual Waste Generation by Material

DTW McNamara Terminal

Material

Estimated Percentage

(%)

Estimated Quantity

(Tons)

Other Waste

41.22% 3,108

Food

19.56% 1,475

Liquids

15.85% 1,195

Plastic

6.90% 520

Paper

5.85% 441

Paper Products

4.43% 334

Glass

2.35% 177

Cardboard

2.24% 169

Aluminum

1.49% 112

Styrofoam

0.36% 27

Metals

0.28% 21

Total

100% 7,540

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO$LUOLQH$GPLQLVWUDWLRQ $UHDV:DVWH6WUHDP

Based on the waste sort data, the waste stream generated in airline administration areas at the

McNamara Terminal is comprised of materials in the proportions shown in Figure 2: Waste

Stream Composition – DTW McNamara Terminal Airline Administration Area (Delta). The

predominant recyclable materials generated in this area are cardboard and paper. Liquids and

compostables do not contribute significantly to the airline administration waste stream.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 2: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal Airline Administration Area (Delta)

Airline Admin. Area (Delta)

Waste Stream

Styrofoam

4.72%

Glass

0.00%

Other Waste

26.61%

Food

4.29%

Paper Products

2.15%

Liquids

3.86%

Metals

0.00%

Aluminum

0.00%

Paper

15.45%

Cardboard

37.77%

Plastic

4.29%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO$LUOLQH$UHDV:DVWH6WUHDP

Based on the waste sort data, the waste stream generated in other airline areas at the McNamara

Terminal is comprised of materials in the proportions shown in Figure 3: Waste Stream

Composition – DTW McNamara Terminal Airline Areas. This figure includes data from sterile

spaces (gate stations), non-sterile spaces (behind ticket counters) as well as airline spaces that

could be either of these (breakrooms and non-administration office areas such as Inflight and

Flight Services).

The predominant compostable material generated from these spaces is food waste. Recyclable

materials, such as cardboard and paper, and liquids also contribute to this stream.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 3: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal Airline Areas

Airline Areas Waste Stream

Styrofoam

1.30%

Glass

2.33%

Other Waste

42.01%

Food

25.77%

Paper Products

5.36%

Liquids

6.33%

Metals

0.92%

Aluminum

0.81%

Paper

7.20%

Cardboard

5.90%

Plastic

4.01%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO'HSODQHG:DVWH6WUHDP

Based on the waste sort data, the waste stream generated aboard arriving domestic flights is

comprised of materials in the proportions shown in Figure 4: Waste Stream Composition – DTW

McNamara Terminal Deplaned Waste (Domestic). Liquids contribute significantly to this waste

stream; food waste, plastic, and paper are also present in notable amounts.

The materials found in the deplaned waste stream are as can be expected based on the food and

beverage services offered on board: cans, large water bottles, airline snacks, coffee filter packs

(coffee grounds and filter in one packet), and plastic cups. Other prevalent materials included

hand towels and blankets, which may be suitable for donation.

Of specific note, the waste sort discovered several small, clear bags intended for cabin recycling

(labeled “Recycling” and featuring the Delta logo) full of recyclable materials in the landfill-bound

waste stream. This indicates that cabin crews are separating recyclable materials during some

flights; however, during the cabin cleaning process, some of these separated materials are

combined with garbage and disposed of as waste. Coordination with the cabin cleaning

contractor may be needed to divert these materials to the proper recycling compactors.

One other in flight practice that was noted during the waste sort was the collection of liquids in

one or two large water bottles from the cabin crew’s beverage carts. This means cabin crews are

consolidating liquids to fewer, sealable containers which helps to keep the rest of the waste and

recycling dry. Coordination with Delta and their cabin crews may be helpful in encouraging this

practice as it reduces free liquids in the cabin waste stream and protects recyclable materials like

newspapers and magazines, other paper, beverage containers like cans and bottles, and plastic

cups from contamination.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 4: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal Deplaned Waste (Domestic)

Deplaned Waste Stream

Styrofoam

0.13%

Glass

2.04%

Other Waste

39.27%

Food

13.95%

Paper Products

1.94%

Liquids

20.42%

Metals

0.01%

Aluminum

3.25%

Paper

9.87%

Cardboard

0.13%

Plastic

9.31%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO3XEOLF3DVVHQJHU$UHDV$UHD:DVWH6WUHDP

Analysis of the data collected from the sample bags showed that waste generated in the public

passenger areas of the McNamara Terminal is comprised of materials in the amounts shown in

Figure 5: Waste Stream Composition DTW McNamara Terminal Public / Passenger Areas. This

figure includes information from sterile spaces (gate areas/hold rooms and Express Tram

Stations) and non-sterile spaces (curbside, ticketing check in, and baggage claim). Liquids

contribute significantly to this waste stream and food waste is also present in a notable quantity.

Of the recyclable materials, plastic is the most prevalent in this stream.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 5: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal Public/Passenger Areas

Public/Passenger Areas

Waste Stream

Styrofoam

0.47%

Glass

0.94%

Other Waste

49.23%

Food

12.93%

Paper Products

1.55%

Liquids

24.85%

Metals

0.00%

Aluminum

0.19%

Paper

2.28%

Cardboard

1.67%

Plastic

6.82%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO5HVWURRP:DVWH6WUHDP

Waste sort data from samples collected in the restrooms at the McNamara Terminal is displayed

in Figure 6: Waste Stream Composition – DTW McNamara Terminal Restrooms. This stream is

almost completely comprised of paper products (paper towels) and liquids contribute a large part

of the remainder.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 6: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal Restrooms

Public Area Restroom Waste

Stream

Styrofoam

0.00%

Glass

0.00%

Other Waste

8.46%

Food

0.27%

Paper Products

76.94%

Liquids

12.01%

Metals

0.00%

Aluminum

0.00%

Paper

0.00%

Cardboard

0.00%

Plastic

2.46%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO5HVWDXUDQW:DVWH6WUHDP

Analysis of the data from the waste sort found that the waste stream from the restaurants in the

McNamara Terminal is comprised of materials as shown in Figure 7: Waste Stream Composition

– DTW McNamara Terminal Restaurants. As is to be expected, this stream contains a large

portion of food waste and food packaging, such as plastic film. Of the recyclable materials, glass

was the most prominent followed by plastic.

Under Michigan’s bottle bill, single-serve glass bottle for beer and other carbonated beverages

are eligible for a refund upon return. At the McNamara Terminal, these are likely collected by the

beverage suppliers. Glass bottles for non-carbonated beverages (such as liquors) are not included

in the return refund; this glass is currently disposed of as waste.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 7: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal Restaurants

Restaurant Waste Stream

Styrofoam

0.00%

Glass

5.60%

Other Waste

38.36%

Food

39.50%

Paper Products

5.22%

Liquids

3.96%

Metals

0.90%

Aluminum

0.41%

Paper

0.87%

Cardboard

0.44%

Plastic

4.31%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

'7:0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO5HWDLO:DVWH6WUHDP

Based on the waste sort data, the waste stream generated in retail areas at the McNamara

Terminal is comprised of materials in the proportions shown in Figure 8: Waste Stream

Composition – DTW McNamara Terminal Retail Areas. Of the recyclable materials, cardboard

contribute the most to this stream, followed by paper and plastic. Food waste was also present

in a notable amount. The retail spaces showed some use of disposable cleaning products such as

dusting and cleaning cloths and pads.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Waste Sort Data Analysis and Results

Figure 8: Waste Stream Composition

DTW McNamara Terminal Retail Areas

Retail Waste Stream

Styrofoam

0.00%

Glass

0.00%

Other Waste

48.19%

Food

9.29%

Paper Products

3.46%

Liquids

1.08%

Metals

0.00%

Aluminum

0.22%

Paper

9.51%

Cardboard

22.47%

Plastic

8.21%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Recommendations

5. Recommendations

Based on the results of the DTW McNamara Terminal waste study, near-term and long-term

recommendations were developed to assist the Airport in increasing landfill diversion and

reducing the facility’s environmental impact resulting from waste generation.

1HDU7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV

1) Increase Stakeholder Involvement, Set Objectives and Targets, and Plan for Continuous

Improvement

Per corporate policy, Delta is “committed to minimizing waste streams through diversion and

re-use, waste recycling programs, and [waste reduction].” Due to Delta’s role in operating the

McNamara Terminal, it is recommended that WCAA collaborate with the airline, their

maintenance and cabin cleaning contractors, and their waste hauler to optimize recycling

practices in this facility. The first step toward this collaboration could be review and

discussion of this waste study report and the findings it contains with these stakeholders.

Delta and WCAA are both tracking elements of the recycling performance of the McNamara

Terminal. It is recommended that these data sets be combined in a regular report and serve

as the basis for recycling, diversion, waste reduction or other waste objectives. The DTW

Airport Recycling, Reuse, and Waste Reduction Plan (available under separate cover) provides

more detail on metrics that may be appropriate for each terminal at DTW as well as WCAA

areas.

2) Provide Training and Education

The success of a recycling program at McNamara Terminal depends on the cooperation and

compliance of Delta employees as well as those of the involved contractors. It is

recommended that WCAA team with Delta to provide training and educational opportunities

for these groups. It is recommended that outreach include information about the drivers

behind a recycling program at the McNamara Terminal, acceptable materials, and a point

person for employees and contractors to reach out to with questions or suggestions. A

training program can be as simple as an email message or signs posted in key employee and

contractor areas (breakrooms, etc.). Once an education program is established for Delta

employees and contractors, it is recommended that similar information be disseminated to

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Recommendations

terminal restaurant and retail tenants in order to encourage their participation in the

program.

3) Evaluate Compactor Convenience

During the facility walk-through, it was noted that there are many more waste compactors

than there are recycling compactors. Based on this ratio, it is possible that waste compactors

are typically more convenient for employees, contractors, and tenants than recycling

compactors. This may be contributing to recyclables being disposed of as waste. It is

recommended that WCAA work with Delta and its contractors as well as the restaurants and

retail tenants to determine if the number and placement of this infrastructure can be

adjusted to improve access and reduce travel distances for recyclable materials.

4) Address Airline Administration and Other Airline Area Paper, Cardboard, and Plastic

Recycling

As noted in the discussion about waste generation quantities, airline activities and deplaned

waste together represent 44 percent of the overall waste stream generated at an airport.

Based on the contribution of airline activities (20 percent), it is recommended that WCAA

work with Delta to facilitate and improve recycling of paper, cardboard, and plastic recycling

from airline areas. Since employees who work for Delta are at the facility on a regular basis,

shaping their behaviors could lead to improved capture rates for these materials. Similarly,

through collaboration, WCAA and Delta may find it beneficial to address paper and cardboard

recycling from the airline’s administration area. One key element of protecting the value of

recyclable materials will be to encourage employees to use sinks where available to empty

beverage containers before recycling or throwing away.

5) Optimize Recycling of Deplaned Materials

As noted in the discussion about waste generation quantities, airline activities and deplaned

waste together represent 44 percent of the overall waste stream generated at an airport. To

address the 24 percent from deplaned waste, it is recommended that WCAA coordinate with

Delta to support plastic, paper, and aluminum recycling from deplaned waste. Delta counts

Detroit as one of the 33 domestic locations included in its in-flight recycling program;

improving Prospect’s exchange of recyclables from inbound aircraft to the appropriate

recycling compactor is recommended and will be key to maximizing the potential of this

program.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Recommendations

Liquid content represents a challenge in recycling deplaned recyclables. As noted previously,

some of the cabin crews are consolidating these into large water bottles during the flight.

WCAA is encouraged to work with Delta to determine if this, or an alternative strategy, is

appropriate to deploy on more flights.

In addition, donation may provide an alternative to landfilling the blankets and pillows

discarded by passengers aboard incoming flights.

6) Plan for Public Passenger Area Liquids

While the McNamara Terminal waste samples were primarily focused on sterile areas of the

terminal (“past security”), the passenger/public area data follows the same trends as the

waste stream from these areas in the North Terminal – most notably high liquid content. As

noted in the North Terminal study, liquid collection stations may be appropriate at the

security checkpoints to handle liquids subject to TSA volume restrictions. It is also

recommended that WCAA evaluate installing liquid collection stations at other key areas to

reduce weight and contamination of the waste and recycling streams.

7) Continue and Improve Food Donation

As described above, WCAA is operating a food recovery program and has donated 7,000

meals to date to a local food pantry. It is recommended that WCAA 1) publically recognize

Delta’s participation in this program and 2) collaborate with Delta and the DTW Dockmaster

to improve the logistics of collection from Delta’s Sky Club Lounge. It may be simpler to

donate the rescued food to the Airport’s Freedom Centers (USO lounges for military

travelers); in which case it is recommended that the donation occur in a timely manner so as

not to transfer the generation of food waste from one area to another (i.e. so that the food

can be used well in advance of expiration.)

8) Address Restaurant and Retail Waste Generation

The restaurants and retail tenants in the McNamara Terminal have unique elements within

their waste streams (food and cardboard respectively); however, both streams had a high

fraction of “other waste” or waste which must be landfilled. It is recommended that WCAA

coordinate with restaurant and retail management to evaluate options to reduce volume of

waste generated that cannot be recycled or reused.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Recommendations

9) Improve Retail Cardboard Recycling

Because cardboard is such a bulky material, it is likely that additional cardboard is generated

in the retail areas of the terminal (beyond what appeared in the sample bags). It is

recommended that WCAA work with the retail tenants to establish a recycling program for

cardboard. A few key elements of such a program include convenience, retail employee

access, and a requirement for cardboard boxes to be “broken down” or unfolded prior to

placement on a pallet or in a designated dumpster.

10) Support Aluminum Can Recycling

It is recommended that WCAA encourage aluminum can returns for containers included

under the state’s program and recycling of the other non-refundable containers. The current

informal practice is contributing to a low level of aluminum in the overall waste stream which

likely represents a high rate of return for the refundable containers; this is a benefit to WCAA

and the environment because these containers are removed from the waste stream and have

a very high rate of being recycled into new cans and other products.

11) Pilot Composting

Composting represents an alternative strategy for managing inedible food waste (materials

generated during back of house food prep, such as fruit peels, coffee grounds etc.). WCAA

has expressed an interest in launching a coffee ground composting program in the near future

as a first step toward a larger composting program. It is recommended that WCAA coordinate

with the restaurants and coffee shops in the McNamara Terminal to identify and address

hesitations of these stakeholders when designing such a program. Another option is to start

by collecting paper towel from the restrooms for composting (single stream, already fairly

well separated) depending on the requirements of identified composting facilities/end users.

12) Landfill Other Materials

Currently, there are no local options for recycling glass or Styrofoam; therefore, it is

recommended that WCAA, Delta, and others continue to landfill these materials and “other

waste.”

13) Track Performance

It is recommended that WCAA conduct regular spot checks of the existing recycling program

as well as any additional strategies that are implemented. These audits will serve to inform

performance tracking.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Recommendations

/RQJ7HUP5HFRPPHQGDWLRQV

1) Expand Composting

Based on the performance of the coffee ground composting program described above, it may

be possible for WCAA to move into coordination with restaurant management and evaluate

options for composting food and paper products from restaurants in the McNamara

Terminal.

Once a back of house restaurant composting program is established, future expansions of a

composting program could include food and airline areas, deplaned waste, and public

passenger areas.

2) Track Performance and Expand Program

Once new recycling and waste management strategies have been implemented to a point

that the program is vastly different from the existing practices, it is recommended that WCAA

conduct another waste composition study to analyze 1) the performance of the new program

and 2) additional opportunities for improvement/expansion.

0F1DPDUD7HUPLQDO:DVWH&RPSRVLWLRQ6WXG\

Conclusion

6. Conclusion

Results from the material sort, facility walk-through, and informal interviews helped identify

areas of waste management where WCAA may wish to focus effort and resources. These

recommendations, when implemented, are designed to help WCAA to increase landfill diversion

and recycling, providing social, economic, and environmental benefits to DTW and its community.

In order to realize the benefits of the recommendations described in this report, implementation

of these strategies will need to be phased and appropriately timed based on existing conditions

and available resources. Collaboration with Delta, their contractors, and the waste and recycling

management contractors will be important to the success of these strategies.

It is important to note that additional strategies might make sense to implement over a long-

term basis, as waste management at a complex facility like the McNamara Terminal is dynamic

and recommendations that may not be prudent now could become feasible in the future.

Therefore, it is recommended that in addition to the strategies listed above, that WCAA

periodically evaluate its program to determine if the program elements are working as expected.

If the program is not performing as expected, a waste sort can help identify further areas for

correction or improvement. By checking results and adjusting course as needed, WCAA can

create a truly dynamic and sustainable waste management program.