Waste Reduction Week at YVR

Small actions can make a big difference when it comes to reducing waste.

Waste Reduction Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about waste reduction and highlight how everyday actions can contribute to a more circular future. At YVR, reducing waste is an important part of our broader environmental commitments. We are working towards Zero Waste for the Main Terminal by 2040, which means diverting at least 90 per cent of waste from landfill. Along the way, we continue to improve waste reduction and diversion initiatives, through projects such as Oscar, which uses artificial intelligence to help people sort waste correctly, and our partnership with ChopValue to upcycle used chopsticks into sustainable products that are used in the terminal and our offices.

This year, as part of Waste Reduction Week, we are shining a spotlight on some of the people helping bring these goals to life through Waste Wars. Since its start in 2015, Waste Wars has encouraged food and beverage teams across the terminal to strengthen waste sorting and diversion practices. This year also introduced Waste Champions, recognizing frontline employees for their engagement and commitment to proper environmental management.

Meet a few of this year’s Waste Champions and learn how they are helping reduce waste across Sea Island.

Mary Lo, a Sous Chef at the Cathay Pacific Lounge, was nominated as a Waste Champion for demonstrating leadership and a strong commitment to waste reduction within the lounge. Mary believes that recycling and reducing waste are important ways to protect the environment. By sorting waste properly and recycling reusable materials, she believes we can minimize waste and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Her advice is simple, every small action can make a difference in creating a better environment.

Serene Ma, a Barista at Starbucks with HMSHost, was recognized for her commitment to waste reduction and her willingness to ask questions. She consistently encourages others to be mindful of the environment and demonstrates that learning is an important part of proper waste management.

Her advice is to keep asking questions and never feel embarrassed or afraid of making mistakes. If you’re unsure about proper waste disposal, ask. Learning is part of the process, and it’s encouraging to know there are others who genuinely care about reducing waste and protecting the environment.

YVR’s environmental goals are ambitious, but reaching them is a shared effort. As we continue working toward Net Zero Waste for the Main Terminal by 2040, everyday actions of passengers and our airport community help move us closer to our goals. Be sure to sort your waste using receptacles throughout the terminal and bring your own water bottle to refill at filling stations.

Learn more about our environmental goals here: Environment | YVR.