Sustainability Elements
Material Resources Management
Environmental Stewardship
Protection of the environment and conservation of natural resources.
Economic Viability
Efficient operations of all facilities, stimulation of local and regional economic growth, and generating economic value through employment and procurement practices.
Since 1992, waste reduction and recycling has been a daily part of operations at LAX.
Since 1992, waste reduction and recycling has been a daily part of operations at LAX. LAWA works closely with airport stakeholders and City of LA departments to improve, expand, and develop recycling and waste reduction activities at LAX to meet waste diversion goals laid out in the Sustainable City pLAn for Los Angeles and achieve regulation compliance.
Performance Summary
LAX Recycled Material 2016
Note: other materials include CPUs/monitors, jet fuel/engine oil, toner cartridges, textiles, and mixed recyclables not counting C&D debris
Over 408,550 tons of materials were reused, recycled or source reduced at LAX in 2016, which is equivalent to the weight of 646 fully-loaded A-380 jumbo jets at takeoff.
Organic Waste Recycling Pilot Program
On Earth Day 2017, LAWA, in partnership with LASAN, launched an organics recycling pilot program in Terminals 7 and 8 at LAX. The program collects food waste generated from a targeted sample of restaurants and other airport concessionaires. Following collection, the food waste is transported to an offsite facility for conversion into natural gas using an anaerobic digestion process.
Los Angeles Green Business Program
Through a rigorous certification process, the Los Angeles Green Business Program recognizes local businesses who are leaders in implementing environmental practices in their day-to-day operations. Certification standards were developed by program staff with input from industry experts, utility companies, trade associations, and others. The program offers free business assistance to organizations want to reduce their environmental footprint. 51 LAWA offices at LAX and VNY received the LA Green Business certification in 2017. Additionally, 7 tenants locations received certification including United Hangar, Cargo, and Lounge, Border Grill, Hudson Group, Lufthansa Group, and FedEx Hangar.
Our Stories
Award-Winning LAX Harvest Food Donation Program
Since late 2013, LAWA has partnered with Food Donation Connection, HMS Host, and Hudson Group to collect and donate unsold, ready-to-eat food items from the Central Terminal Area to local community service organizations. In 2015, the program received the prestigious Los Angeles County Green Leadership Award for demonstrating "outstanding and innovative environmental sustainability" while benefiting homeless and low-income families and individuals. In 2016, the program donated 75,479 individual food items, which amounted to 35 tons of donations. LAWA continues to encourage other airport concessionaires to participate in the program.
Used Glasses Donation
LAWA employees continue to support the Lions Club, a community service organization, on its efforts to provide glasses and sunglasses to people who need them, but cannot afford them. In 2016, LAWA employees donated 115 pairs of eyeglasses, 65 pairs of sunglasses and 50 eyeglass cases.
