Delta recognizes that our customers, flight attendants and employees believe in the importance of recycling. Over eighteen months ago we ventured out to create an In-Flight Recycling Program which collected more than aluminum cans.
On June 1, 2007, Delta became the first US airline to launch a comprehensive recycling program for our domestic flights into Atlanta, Georgia. Flight Attendants collect Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, “Enjoy” plastic trays, plastic beverage cups as well as newspapers and magazines for recycling. Catering and Cabin Service crews play a critical roll in the program by ensuring the materials are placed into dedicated recycling dumpsters.
Historically, our Flight Attendants participated in a “grassroots” recycling program, but became discouraged as pieces fell apart over time. What makes Delta’s new program distinct is that implementation took the coordination of 12 distinct internal organizations, business partners and executive supporters.
This program is my baby & if you will allow me to brag for a moment, we successfully diverted 83 tons of recyclables from Atlanta area landfills between June and September. I even have a few photos:
This mountain of recyclables is a beauty to behold!
When leaving the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, look right for a stunning view of our collection point (shown above).
On September 14th, four additional Delta cities picked-up the program: Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, Salt Lake City, Utah and Cincinnati, Ohio.
What started with a single objective has turned into a fantastic million armed octopus! Recycling opportunities abound. In-Flight recycling is scheduled to expand to all hubs and additional destinations by the end of 2008. Stay tuned there is more to tell!
Jennifer O.
Project Manager
Environmental Health
October 29th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Thanks for recycling, I wish all airlines had a program like this.
October 29th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Hi,
recycling is a great idea. I believe Delta can do more. Implement recycling in the crown rooms as well by:
1. Place nicely marked containers for newspapers where guest may discard their’s when finished. I fequently see them put in with all other trash.
2. Recycle all aluminum and plastic bottles and containers.
3. Replace all those 40 and 60 watt bulbs throughout the crown rooms. Help reduce Delta’s carbon footprint!
Delta was the first airline to eliminate smoking from all its flights. Delta can lead the way in becoming the first “green airline” (both in terms of the environment and profitability)
5. Are the monthly magazines recycled? They can be.
6. Can all those napkins be made from recycld paper?
7. At airports where Delta does not recycle - can contracts be negotiated for trash to be recycled after pick-up?
8. Flight attendants need encouragement and incentives to make this program work - make sure you have their buy-in.
October 29th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Kudos on the recycling efforts! Yet another reason I choose to fly Delta.
October 30th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Outside of a us DL loyalists and enthusiasts, how is Delta creating awareness for this program to ensure sustainability and increase non-elite loyalty toward the company?
November 2nd, 2007 at 10:54 am
When will we see a Conservation Fund ~ Force for Global Good “green plane” debut?
November 2nd, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Thank you for the input and positive feedback.
As we implement recycling programs across the country Delta will evaluate additional area, such as the Crown Rooms, to determine what materials can be effectively recycled. As I mentioned, recycling opportunities are everywhere, it will take some time to reach them all (but Delta is up to the challenge).
I never considered airport and airline trash until I started this project but have learned that each airport and airline handles their trash disposal differently. Some airports handle waste management contracts on behalf of the tenants and at other airports airlines will select a provider of their choosing. Thus, we do consider many angles/alternatives/vendors to gain recycling efficiency.
Some of our stations do collect and recycle out-of-date magazines. In implementing the comprehensive program, we will be able to bring this recycling opportunity to stations where it did not exist before.
During the creation of this program, one thing I heard loud and clear was that Flight Attendants did not have visibility to the volumes collected under the voluntary program. This was discouraging because Flight Attendants could not tell if their efforts were making an impact. Delta receives monthly reports from its recycling vendors and provides the results to not only Flight Attendants, but Cabin Services, Catering, Directors and Executives. Results are also displayed on corporate information screens so all employees will be able to watch the program grow. Additionally, we frequently visit the Flight Attendant lounges to talk about the program and cities where In-Flight Recycling occurs.
Has anyone seen our in-flight recycling video? What do you think?
Thanks!
Jennifer O
November 5th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
When will we see an end to those incandescent light bulbs in planes and throughout Delta terminals?
November 28th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Sorry for such a long pause between messages.
I now have some fantastic results to share with you.
Between July and October Delta’s In-Flight Recycling program collected and recycled 107 tons of materials in Atlanta. Atlanta has recycled approximately 5.27 million individual aluminum cans which would be enough aluminum to build a Boeing 747
The October figures are back on Salt Lake City – with the help of our passengers, Flight Attendants and Cabin Service Crews single handedly collected 12 tons of materials. This volume includes over 1 ton of Aluminum cans and 3 tons of mixed plastics. Believe it or not, the remaining 8 tons is paper (cardboard, magazines, newspaper, etc.).
I’ve been meaning to follow up on a few of your questions:
-Delta predominantly uses fluorescent bulbs onboard our aircraft which are recycled. Some first class lamps have LED bulbs.
-As our new food-for-purchase program is rolled out please note that the menus are printed on recycled paper with soy ink.
-This program was designed to be sustainable. As long as we have cans, plastics and newsprint onboard our airplanes we’ll recycle. Delta has an aggressive roll-out planned for 2008. As well, we will soon be implementing several recycling programs at our headquarters with the goal of having our employees incorporate recycling into their daily lives (both at home and at work).
-We are constantly looking for creative ways to encourage and energize Flight Attendants on the value of this program. Monthly statistics and other recycling facts are shared during briefings. Flight Attendants should know that passengers appreciate this initiative. If your flight crew is recycling – please stop and say “thank you!”
My question for you is this: How can Delta better educate it’s passengers on our recycling program? We have a short In-Flight Video and also a ‘static’ screen which will display on those aircraft with in-seat entertainment. What else would you like to see?
January 15th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Congratulations and kudos for taking steps to lessen Delta’s footprint on our environment, but there is so much more that can AND SHOULD be done. Understanding the challenges of recycling and also of working in multiple airport environments where waste collection and handling varies greatly, I propose to you that the better solution is to use/waste less and increase the use of products based on either recycled content or that are easily compostable.
An example of this would be to reduce waste by minimizing the impact of the vast amounts of plastics you use for cutlery, serving ware, cups, etc. Why not look into the growing availability of food containers that are made of 100% organic materials? Take a look at http://www.eatware.com for example. Or, maybe cutlery made from potato starch and soy oils? All are easily compostable making recycling less of a concern. Heck even return to washable stainless ware would be an improvement, though we’d have to consider the increased fuel consumption due to the added weight.
The point is, we focus too much on the feel good sensations of recycling; which is nothing more that a guilt alleviator to soothe our over consumption. When I look at the amount of paper napkins, plastic cups, etc.. used on each and every single flight I board, I can only shake my head to think that we’re not looking beyond re-cycling.
That said, and to end on a positive note; EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS and I commend you for kicking this program off. Now let’s work to make it continuously better.
I wonder how that 767 would have flown last night if it were burning used french fry oil?
March 5th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Hello There!
I have some great end of year recycling figures to share with you!
Between June - Dec 2007 the Atlanta program diverted 148.3 tons of material from local landfills.
From September to December the following locations also saw great success:
**Cincinnati collected and recycled 12.81 tons
**Salt Lake City collected and recycled 31.80 tons
**Seattle recycled 8.39 tons
On February 1st, 2008 we added Los Angeles, CA and Cleveland, OH as comprehensive in-flight recycling stations. This brings our total to 7! I am finalizing plans to bring additional stations on line in 2008. We must review the waste management program at each individual location and tailor Delta’s recycling program to fit the operation. There is no way to turn a switch and instantly recycle everywhere (But I wish this could be true).
A reader asked about reducing or altering the way we serve food/drinks on board. You are right that while recycling will help with waste issues, the first thing to do is reduce what we use. Honest to goodness dishware IS back in First Class - though in the winter, we opted for paper/plastic as a means to conserve water during the most serious months of the southeast drought. Containers and cups made of corn plastic or other biodegradable containers could be an alternative in the future - we are a ways away from the ability to compost at our kitchens…
Delta is making progress & I’m very glad that readers appreciate these first steps! Next time you fly with us - Thank your Flight Attendant when he/she recycles!
March 10th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
[...] Delta Air Lines Blog | In-Flight Recycling: Rethinking trash Here is an excerpt. One June 1, 2007, Delta became the first US airline to launch a comprehensive recycling program for our domestic flights into Atlanta, Georgia. Flight Attendants collect Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, “Enjoy” plastic trays, plastic beverage cups as well as newspapers and magazines for recycling. Catering and Cabin Service crews play a critical roll in the program by ensuring the materials are placed into dedicated recycling dumpsters. [...]
March 20th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
[...] waste from going into landfills. Read further about their recycling initiative in their articles, In-flight Recycling: Rethinking Trash” and recent March article “Recycling Beyond their Aircraft Doors” on how they have expanded [...]
July 29th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Congrats on your success with the recycling effort. I think it is wonderful Delta is making an effort to reduce the companies environmental impact. I do have a few questions. Is this a good form for learning about the actual positive impact your program creates?
November 20th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Hi Concerned flyer - Delta is posting environmentally oriented blogs (from packing less to ideas on where to recycle e-waste). To see recent stories choose “Environment” from the Categories bar on right hand side of screen.