US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced its participation in a new programme to enable airlines to recycle single-use aluminum, paper, and plastic products from international flights arriving in the US. This initiative supports CBP’s Green Trade Strategy, which focuses on advancing environmental sustainability and green innovation.
In collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), CBP will work with airlines and port authorities at US international airports to develop local recycling policies and procedures. Airlines must be approved by APHIS and CBP to recycle on international aircraft, adhering to safeguarding measures to protect American agriculture from foreign pests and pathogens.
APHIS and CBP will assess and authorise airlines before allowing them to recycle on international flights. These agencies jointly manage and enforce regulations for handling catering waste on foreign-origin aircraft under the Regulated Garbage programme. Previously, international flights were prohibited from recycling, with APHIS requiring the incineration or sterilisation of all Regulated Garbage waste upon entry into the United States. The new programme will permit recycling by international airlines once proper safeguards are in place, ensuring protection for American agriculture from foreign pests and pathogens while advancing airline industry sustainability.
The recycling initiative offers benefits including resource conservation and energy savings. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that recycling 10 plastic bottles can power a laptop for over 25 hours. With over 120 million international passengers arriving in the U.S. each year, it is projected that they will generate over 67 million pounds of recyclables. This program aims to reduce the need for incineration or sterilization, cutting energy consumption and enhancing sustainable practices in international aviation.
“The CBP agriculture mission echoes this comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting sustainable trade practices. We strive to unify efforts between government agencies, stakeholders, and the public, in order to foster a more sustainable future while protecting American agriculture,” said Nidhi Singla, Agriculture Enforcement & Engagement Director of Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison (APTL).