Airplane Cabin Waste Characterization: A Case Study of Istanbul

Solid waste characterization was carried out within the scope of Istanbul New Airport Waste Management Plan. Ataturk Airport, which is still in operation on the dates of the study and which is the important flight point of Istanbul, was taken as reference. In-flight wastes are taken into consideration in 2 categories as catering wastes and post-flight cleaning wastes. The categories are determined in the characterization study of in-flight wastes; long flights (flights lasting more than 6 hours), short flights (flights lasting less than 6 hours), flights where catering is paid and domestic and international flights. In this study, 15 waste components were characterized in 9 samples taken in 4 different categories. The amount of waste generated in airplane increases with the duration of the flight. The frequency and variety of food services on international flights are higher than the situation on domestic flights. Based on the weight percent of the wastes generated after the flight, the highest rate belongs to packaging wastes with 54.73%. In this waste component, paper-cardboard wastes come to the fore with an average of 30.15% and other combustible, organic, liquid and plastic percentage ratios are seen as important components that follow. Organic wastes come to the fore with an average of 49% in the waste content values collected on trolleys after catering. Liquid wastes, other combustible wastes and plastic waste percentage rates are seen as important components that follow. The data is obtained as a result of the study will contribute to sustainable waste management.