SUSTAINABILITY | 2025 IMPACT REPORT 11
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Waste Management
Liquid Collection Stations
After a waste audit found discarded liquids accounted for approximately 21 percent of terminal waste by weight and 57 percent at TSA screening checkpoints, the Airports Authority began deploying mobile liquid collection stations in high-traffi c security screening areas at Dulles International Airport in 2023.
Throughout 2025, these stations continued to reduce the volume and weight of municipal solid waste, lowering associated transportation and disposal costs while minimizing contamination of recyclable materials. The program also improved working conditions for custodial staff and provided travelers with a convenient option to dispose of liquids prior to screening.
Deployment strategies have been refi ned since to improve effectiveness and operational effi ciency. Current placements include seven mobile units across key screening locations at Dulles International Airport, including the departures level TSA PreCheck area, west security checkpoint, lower-level employee screening and the federal inspection services checkpoint.
At the east security checkpoint, a fi xed hard-plumbed system connected to the building’ s drainage infrastructure replaced mobile units, improving reliability and reducing ongoing maintenance requirements. Additional opportunities to incorporate hard-plumbed units are being evaluated, including as part of the design of a new Dulles concourse.
Following successful implementation at Dulles International Airport, the program was expanded to Reagan National Airport, where a total of 26 liquid collection stations are now deployed. Current placements include 17 stations across the Terminal 2 security checkpoints and four at the Terminal 1 checkpoint and adjacent waste areas. The Airports Authority also has begun expanding the liquid collection infrastructure beyond security checkpoints into concessions areas at Reagan National with a high concentration of food and beverage vendors. The expanded infrastructure includes four mobile units in Concourse E and one unit in National Hall, which connects with all Terminal 2 concourses.
Donate, Don’ t Discard Toiletry Collection
The Airports Authority’ s“ Donate, Don’ t Discard” toiletry collection program continues to grow as a fl agship initiative, transforming a common passenger inconvenience into a meaningful sustainability and community impact opportunity.
Launched in April 2024 at Reagan National Airport, the program collects new or gently used toiletries at Terminal 2 security checkpoints that exceed the Transportation Security Administration’ s 3.4-ounce liquid limit. Rather than being discarded as waste, these items are redirected to local nonprofi ts, shelters and community organizations serving individuals in need.
The program is designed to deliver multiple benefi ts:
- Waste diversion and environmental impact reduction- Community outreach and support for vulnerable populations- Positive traveler engagement and education- Advancement of responsible business practices
In 2025 alone, the program diverted more than 1,400 pounds of waste and donated over 5,400 hygiene items to organizations supporting survivors of domestic violence, victims of human traffi cking, individuals experiencing homelessness, seniors and others facing hardship. Since its inception, the initiative has diverted over 3,700 pounds of waste and donated nearly 12,000 items, underscoring its growing impact.
Circularity Programs
The circularity economy presents an alternative to waste, by reusing and repurposing resources. By rethinking how materials fl ow through airport systems, our initiatives reduce environmental impacts while delivering meaningful co-benefi ts, including support for local communities, enhanced passenger engagement and cost-effective resource management. From waste diversion programs to asset repurposing, the Airports Authority is demonstrating how circularity can be embedded into day-to-day airport operations.