FAAN’s waste recycling programme targets 1,383T of airport waste with three-phase circular economy plan

NIGERIA – FAAN has launched a three-phase waste recycling programme at Nigeria’s airports, beginning with indoor colour-coded bins at Murtala Muhammed International Airport to process 1,383 tonnes of annual waste, with a Waste-to-Power initiative planned as the programme’s final phase.

The programme, unveiled by Managing Director Mrs Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, marks the first phase of FAAN’s Circular Economy Programme aimed at reducing waste, promoting recycling, lowering operational costs and eventually generating electricity through waste-to-power technology. 

The first phase introduces indoor colour-coded recycling bins enabling waste segregation at the point of disposal, transforming passengers, partners and staff into active participants in environmental protection.

Three-Phase Rollout and Environmental Impact

The second phase will involve the deployment of large outdoor recycling bins across airport premises, while the third phase will see certified waste management companies transporting sorted materials, including plastics, glass, cans and organic waste, to recycling facilities.

Kuku noted that despite a slight reduction in waste generated at the airport from approximately 1,446 tonnes in 2023 to about 1,383 tonnes in 2024, every tonne previously ended up in landfills without being sorted or recycled. 

She stated that this represents a monumental lost opportunity that closes with the launch of this initiative. 

The airport waste reduction aligns with global trends, with aviation industry waste management increasingly focused on circular economy principles.

Economic Benefits and Carbon Accreditation

Kuku stressed that the initiative makes sound business sense, reducing dependence on procuring new materials and lowering operational expenses. 

By creating a demand for recycled materials, the authority closes the loop and reduces overhead costs associated with procuring new products. 

FAAN plans to convert airport waste into an alternative source of energy through a waste-to-power programme, described as a foundational step towards turning waste into a valuable energy source. 

The recycling programme forms part of FAAN’s Carbon Management Plan under the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme coordinated by Airports Council International, representing a key step towards achieving global net-zero carbon targets. 

Kuku reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to balancing revenue generation with environmental responsibility, noting that the programme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Other international airports will receive their bins in the coming months following the MMIA launch.

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