about 2,000 tons of waste is dumped into the Austin Community Landfill every day. But with a goal of zero waste by 2040, the city is looking to lower that number. Our Stef Manisero shows us how Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is doing its part to help get there.
AUSTIN, Texas -- Thousands of people come in and out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport every day --25,000 to be exact.
The Capital City's airport is not just a hub for travelers, but also a place wher first impressions are made.
"An airport is the first place people see when they come to Austin whether they're visitors or they live here," said Jen Sembera with Texas Disposal Systems.
With all that traffic, comes trash -- and lots of it.
"The airport can generate between five and six tons a day of trash," said Kane Carpenter, ABIA's Environmental Manager.
But now ABIA is managing all its garbage better than ever.
Last October, the airport teamed up with Texas Disposal Systems, a waste-processing company.
Between 250 new recycling and garbage cans, and hands-on training with ABIA employees, the program has more than doubled the airports' diverted waste.
"I think education, the next generation and the folks, just getting them to put it in the right spot, we have them everywher," Carpenter said.
Officials say an average of 52 tons of the airport's recyclables is now kept out of the landfill each month.
"The most accurate comparison is a size of a football field, a regular football field completely full of waste, seven feet tall," said Sembera.
A tall feat that airport leaders expect will continue to rise.
"I think the next generations that are coming up, Millennials and beyond, grew up with recycling," said Carpenter.
It's an effort to help make Austin's first impression a lasting one.
Over the next year, TDS plans to implement a composting pilot program at the airport that will include training of ABIA's restaurant and retail employees.
The airport is also looking into a food donation program with organizations across the city, for food that is left on concession stand shelves, but is still good to eat.
