“Donate Don’t Discard Programs Introduced at the Airports Authority”
In Spring 2024, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority launched two programs to enhance its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission is proud of the work that our local government partners and other governmental entities are undertaking to improve sustainability of the region. We are pleased to share the efforts of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) on two new pilot programs they have launched.
In Spring 2024, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority launched two programs to enhance its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. Both programs aim to reduce the Airports Authority’s solid municipal waste, provide resources to local communities and reduce operating costs for the Airports Authority
Food Recovery Program
The Food Recovery program is in its pilot phase at the Dulles International Airport. This program offers airport vendors and concessionaires a convenient and structured framework for the safe and efficient redistribution of surplus food to reduce food waste and alleviate hunger.
Loudoun Hunger Relief is the selected non-profit partner for the Dulles Food Recovery program pilot. Loudoun Hunger Relief is a partner agency with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the Feeding America Network, and it represents the largest food pantry in Loudoun County, serving the local community since 1991. The Food Recovery team at the Airports Authority has facilitated two collections including 110 pounds of donations to the Loudoun Hunger Relief non-profit.
Toiletry Donation Program
The Toiletry Donation program is in its pilot phase at the Ronald Reagan National Airport. The Airports Authority collects salvageable unopened toiletries, which are over the 3.4-ounce TSA limit, and sets them aside at security checkpoints in Terminal 2.
These items are diverted from the municipal solid waste disposal process and are then donated to non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Washington, D.C. area, providing support for our local community. One such organization, Bethany House of Northern Virginia, provides short-term housing and life advancement services to women and children escaping domestic violence and human trafficking.
The implementation and collection phase of this pilot project began in March. The effort yielded more than 850 items for people in need. The donations included dental hygiene items, cleansing products and hair care products that would otherwise have gone to the landfill.
The Airports Authority is working to build momentum, increase donations and expand the program beyond its pilot phase. To learn more about MWAA’s sustainability plan and programs please visit their website.
About the Northern Virginia Regional Commission
NVRC is a consortium of thirteen local governments representing more than 2.5 million residents. While only 3% of Virginia's land mass, Northern Virginia has a GDP of $276 Billion which is 41.6% of the GDP of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Northern Virginia’s GDP is larger than 24 states and the District of Columbia and if a country would be the 48th largest economy in the world.