SUSTAINABILITY | 2025 IMPACT REPORT 12
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
The program is also gaining national recognition. In 2025, the Airports Authority was invited by the American Association of Airport Executives to present during the“ Beyond the Bin” panel at the Airports Going Green Conference, where sustainability leaders from across the aviation industry convened to share best practices on environmental performance. The Airports Authority’ s presentation highlighted how the program advances circularity through waste diversion, storytelling and community partnerships, prompting interest from airports nationwide seeking to replicate this model. The program received an honorable mention for outstanding sustainability program at the conference, with recognition from the Chicago Department of Aviation for its innovation and leadership in aviation sustainability. This recognition refl ects a strong cross-functional collaboration among Community Engagement, Airport Operations, Corporate Property and other teams, demonstrating how small operational changes can scale into high-impact sustainability solutions.
Donate, Don’ t Discard demonstrates how we can turn a routine operational challenge into meaningful impact. By redirecting items that would otherwise be wasted, we are advancing our sustainability goals, supporting our community and giving travelers a simple way to be part of the solution.
Tanisha Lewis Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Community Engagement
Asset Reuse and Community Donations
Complementing our waste diversion efforts, the Airports Authority operates a comprehensive asset reuse and donation program that extends the lifecycle of materials while directly benefi ting the surrounding community. This initiative focuses on repurposing surplus, unclaimed or abandoned property for educational and charitable use, including vehicles and lost-and-found items.
A notable component of this program is the donation of abandoned and surplus vehicles from airport parking and fl eet operations to local school systems and nonprofi t organizations. These vehicles are often used in automotive training programs, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that build technical skills and workforce readiness. By redirecting these assets, the Airports Authority avoids disposal costs and environmental impacts while investing in the next generation of skilled workers.
In addition, the Airports Authority donates a wide range of items through its lost-and-found program, including electronics, backpacks and personal accessories. In accordance with regulatory requirements, items are held for a defi ned period( typically 60 days under Airports Authority regulations, which exceeds the 30-day minimum under Virginia law) before being deemed abandoned and eligible for donation. This structured process ensures compliance while maximizing opportunities for reuse.
Together, these efforts exemplify circular economy principles in action: keeping materials in use, reducing waste and delivering tangible social value. By aligning operational practices with community needs, the Airports Authority continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable resource management across the aviation industry.