Waste sorting

LOT and the environment

Why is waste sorting so important?

With sorting, it is possible to recycle raw materials and reuse them. Waste does not end up in a landfill where it will continue to pollute the environment for many years. Waste sorting is the key element of a closed loop economy that aims to keep the materials and raw materials in circulation as long as possible, thus minimising the amount of waste produced.

While invisible to passengers, on-board waste is also sorted during the flight! The catering company is responsible for sorting some of the waste. Waste from aircraft trolleys and containers as well as catering kits are collected from the aircraft and such waste is classified according to its origin, i.e. from within and outside the European Union.

EU flights

When unpacking aircraft trolleys and containers, boarding residues are sorted into, e.g.

  • cutlery, crockery and reusable catering equipment to be reused after washing and disinfection,
  • table linen, which is passed on for laundering,
  • post-flight catering waste, which is sorted according to the current sorting rules, including:
    • glass,
    • plastics,
    • paper,
    • mixed waste.

Sorted waste is subsequently sent to waste collection and treatment companies in accordance with the current legislation.

Non-EU flights

Waste from non-EU flights have to be disposed of in accordance with veterinary requirements. Sorted non-EU waste is transferred to a separate room and then transported to an authorised incinerator.