On November 14, the Department of Aviation celebrated America Recycles Day in Philadelphia International Airport's (PHL)Terminal B/C connector. This annual sustainability fair showcased the airports' environmental commitment – such as a record-breaking recycling rate of 24.57 percent achieved in 2022 – and served as a platform to educate the public about recycling.

The event was organized by Melissa McMullen, Department of Aviation Sustainability Planner and Recycling Coordinator, and featured various activities and exhibitors. It emphasized the importance of recycling in our daily lives. Here are some key takeaways and tips for the public on how to effectively reduce, reuse, and recycle:

1. Utilize Local Recycling Centers: Learn about and use local recycling facilities to dispose of recyclable materials properly.
2. Practice Responsible Waste Sorting: Separate your waste at home into recyclable and non-recyclable bins to facilitate efficient recycling.
3. Join Community Clean-Up Events: Participate in or organize community clean-ups to keep your neighborhood free of litter and promote recycling awareness.
4. Repurpose and Reuse: Before throwing something away, consider if it can be repurposed or reused. Creative reuse not only reduces waste but also can be a fun, creative activity.
5. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about what can and cannot be recycled in your area and help educate those around you.
6. Support Eco-Friendly Products: Choose products with recyclable packaging or made from recycled materials.
7. Reduce Workplace Clutter: Inspired by the airports' “Clean out your desk” event, organize your workspace and recycle unnecessary paper and supplies.

The event included interactive sessions and workshops to bring these messages to life. Exhibitors like Aero Aggregates, Frontier Airlines, Glitter, and others showcased their recycling efforts and provided insights into corporate sustainability practices.

The Department of Aviation remains committed to leading by example in sustainability and encourages the public to integrate these recycling practices into their everyday lives for a greener future. Thank you to everyone involved, including the Department of Aviation communications and information technology teams, TSA, and volunteers, for making this event a success.