Airlines can now recycle single-use aluminum, paper, and plastic from international flights to the U.S.

Historically, recycling has not been permitted on international flights into the U.S., as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has mandated the incineration or sterilization of all regulated garbage waste upon arrival. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now participating in a new program enabling airlines to recycle single-use aluminum, paper, and plastic products used during international flights arriving in the United States. This aligns with CBP's Green Trade Strategy, which governs the agency's efforts to "advance environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and green innovation".

"The CBP agriculture mission echoes this comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting sustainable trade practices," said Nidhi Singla, agriculture enforcement and engagement director of Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison. "We strive to unify efforts between government agencies, stakeholders, and the public, in order to foster a more sustainable future while protecting American agriculture."

Recycling while protecting agriculture against foreign pests and pathogens

This new program will allow international airlines to recycle once appropriate safeguarding measures have been implemented, protecting American agriculture against foreign pests and pathogens while promoting the sustainability of the airline industry.

In addition to its ongoing mission of securing the nation's borders, CBP, in partnership with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will work with airlines and port authorities at U.S. international airports to set up local policy and procedures for recycling single-use products based on the resources available within each airport's environment.

APHIS and CBP will evaluate and approve airlines prior to granting permission to recycle on their international aircraft. The two agencies jointly regulate and enforce the handling of catering waste on foreign-origin aircraft as part of the Regulated Garbage program. 

Energy savings and resource conservation for airlines

The new recycling program provides benefits ranging from resource conservation to energy savings. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling just 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for more than 25 hours. 

With over 120 million international passengers arriving in the United States annually, it is estimated that incoming passengers will generate over 67 million pounds of recyclables on international flights. This collaboration will lead to a reduction in the amount of material requiring incineration or sterilization, thereby lowering energy consumption and further contributing to sustainable practices in international aviation.