Comments on: Recycling in Motion

By: Jennifer O

Jennifer O — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:49:22 +0000

Here is some background information on Delta’s in-flight recycling program:

•Trash management (and recycling opportunity) at the airport level varies from location to location. In some cities, Delta may hold a waste contract directly with provider and at others we may utilize the trash provider the Airport contracts. Thus, recycling expansion is on a city-by-city basis as there are many logistics to work out.

•The management and disposal of trash from international flights (arriving back into the United States) is strictly regulated by the USDA. While Delta does envision recycling on arriving international flights in the future, the collection program we design must maintain compliance with regulations first and foremost. Expansion into arriving international cities has not been ruled out.

•Adding reusable mugs in coach is not really feasible because the added weight of the mugs and storage carts would increase the amount of fuel consumed. We do have a product development team which evaluates alternative beverage cups and other items on-board. Perhaps styrofoam cups will become a thing of the past….I can’t say at this time.

Were you on a flight where the Flight Attendants did an exceptional job recycling? I’d love to hear!

By: Jayo Z

Jayo Z — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:04:02 +0000

Continuing sad_tomato’s thought… maybe even using *real* mugs? If you’re afraid of them getting stolen, give flight attendants a sheet to mark which passengers (by seat) use a mug, collect them all afterward, and clean and reuse!. I know, sounds too much like first class, but I’m sure most of us coach passengers would be happy!

By: sad_tomato

sad_tomato — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:03:06 +0000

On a recent flight from SFO to ATL, I was so impressed by the efforts for recycling and source separating. However, I was surprised during the beverage service that Delta is still using Styrofoam cups for coffee! Are there any plans to change the cup material to something more environmentally friendly, such as paper coffee cups?

By: Airports and airlines celebrate America Recycles Day | Stuck at the Airport

Airports and airlines celebrate America Recycles Day | Stuck at the Airport — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:31:23 +0000

[...] airlines are getting into recycling as well. According ot the Delta Air Lines blog, since January Delta’s In-Flight Recycling program has collected more than 500,000 pounds of [...]

By: Jayo Z

Jayo Z — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:28:31 +0000

I try to recycle whenever I can. I applaud Delta for initiating this program. However, I really dislike the first paragraph of this post. Why these cities - and not ALL cities? Why only domestic? I guess I could see how this might not be so practical on Connection carriers. Also, I guess that on international flights this might not be feasible, since not all countries strive as much to recycle; however, some countries like Panama, rather than recycling, actually re-use glass soda bottles. Much better! Still, you could at least recycle on those return flights.

Overall, this is great. Let’s expand it!