For a large-scale organisation such as BGY, which plays host every day to passengers, internal workers and external suppliers, waste management is an essential aspect. For many years, SACBO has adopted an approach aimed at favouring waste recycling, also going beyond simple disposal; this project began in 2007, with the meticulous and precisesorting of paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminium, iron and wood.
Every year, SACBO produces urban and special waste that requires careful disposal in compliance with current regulations. To this end, the company applies detailed proceduresthat consider all the types of waste produced, with a constant improvement ofperformance in terms of elimination and recycling, as well as careful analysis of the waste placed in the airport bins and originating from aircraft.
Awareness focused on a cleaner world is to be seen and assimilated together with the community; collaboration with other organisations has led to the creation of the project“Challenge to plastics – Reduce, reuse, recycle: sustainable practices for Bergamo and its airport”, which is participating in the competition “Plastic challenge: a challenge to disposable plastics”. SACBO has installed two plastic-bottle compacting machines in the security controls area for departing passengers, which were rendered operational in 2022. These machines, which are able to separate liquids from their containers and drain them into the sewage system, have made a significant contribution to reducing unsorted waste and increasing the dedicated collection of plastics.
In the summer of 2022, passengers at BGY had the opportunity to admire an art installation made from reused plastic bottles entitled “Plastics gain wings and fly to the right place”, which was also set up in the Bergamo botanical gardens and on the premises of theMunicipality of Orio al Serio. The aim of the work was to raise public awareness of the importance of recycling and how individual choices can make a difference.
Overall, the initiatives promoted by SACBO and the Municipality of Orio al Serio led to a significant increase in waste separated and collected; 33.6% in 2022 compared to 17.6% in 2019, in the pre-pandemic period.
The process adopted by SACBO towards the sustainable management of waste is constantly evolving and improving. The airport is committed to working to implement innovative and efficient solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the airport and contribute to the creation of a greener future.