Airport redistributes surplus stock to charities
Birmingham Airport has highlighted its latest efforts to reduce waste as part of World Environment Day.
During May, the airport’s on-site shops and restaurants donated 2.7 tonnes of goods and foodstuffs to local charities who were able to repurpose the products, worth an estimated £16,000 at retail prices.
Items including sweets, snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, gift sets, t-shirts, books, stationery, games, toys and travel accessories were donated and will go to support the work of three local charities – Unite4homeless, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Home Start.
Birmingham Airport’s head of sustainability, Tom Redfern, said: “As part of our sustainability strategy we have committed ourselves to improving recycling rates, embracing the principles of the circular economy and being a responsible neighbour.
"World Environment Day reminds us of the importance of these issues and these figures show we’re making great progress to achieving all three of these aims.
"There is lots more work to do but, with the support of our partners, we’re determined to reduce our environmental impact while supporting neighbouring communities.”
The work is co-ordinated by the airport’s commercial waste partner Novati.
Senior corporate sustainability manager Darren Andrew said: “We believe that Birmingham Airport’s success is because together we’re talking about resource management and innovation rather than waste management and bins. It’s essential that we focus on reducing and reusing materials because this has the greatest impact on the environment and the climate crisis. It’s great to be able to deliver a project that positively impacts the local community.”
