A Model For Sustainable Airports: DEN's Zero Waste Valet Program

Airports are bustling hubs of activity and unfortunately significant waste generation. Denver International Airport (DEN) is tackling this challenge head-on with its groundbreaking Zero Waste Valet program. Launched in June 2024, the initiative has already achieved impressive milestones in its quest to make DEN a leader in airport sustainability.

Key Achievements in the First Six Months

The Zero Waste Valet program hit the ground running, reporting remarkable results just six months after its launch. By December 2024, the program had diverted 69.2 tons of waste from landfills, achieving an average waste diversion rate of 71%, three times higher than the airport’s overall diversion rate, showcasing the program’s efficiency and impact.

Program Expansion and Support

Initially rolled out at three concessions on Concourse B, the Zero Waste Valet program has since expanded to include 20 concessions. This rapid growth was made possible through a $495,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The funding enabled the program to offer comprehensive back-of-house support for composting and recycling, which includes:

• Waste collection services
• Employee training
• Educational signage
• Regular waste audits to track progress
• Identifying ongoing areas for improvement

A Vision for the Future

DEN’s Zero Waste Valet pilot program has plans to expand the program to all concessions in Concourse B by summer 2025. Looking ahead, the success of concourse B has led to conversations about a possible expansion to DEN's other concourses, setting a new standard on zero-waste practices in the aviation industry.

Partnerships That Make a Difference

The program’s success is bolstered by its collaboration with Scraps, a Denver based composting collection company founded by Christi Turner. This partnership brings expertise in zero-waste strategies and creates local jobs that are making a difference in the community.

"For a vendor at the airport like a coffee shop, it’s really easy to make sure all the coffee grounds go in our bins instead of the trash. And just like that, they can go from 10-20% waste diversion to 90% almost overnight, all because these materials are now being diverted to the right place," explains Turner. "Before, they saw massive amounts of stuff, like coffee grounds for example, ending up contaminating the recycling or going into the trash. We want to continuing helping the airport and its vendors achieve these sustainability wins."

Why It Matters

Airports are uniquely positioned to influence millions of travelers each year. By adopting innovative waste management solutions like the Zero Waste Valet program, DEN is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also setting an example for airports worldwide. The program’s early success is a powerful reminder that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.

As the program continues to grow, it paves the way for a future where zero-waste airports are the norm rather than the exception. Stay updated as DEN sets the standard for sustainable airports worldwide.