AIR TATTOO TRIMS TONS OFF WASTE-LINE
Almost all the rubbish generated at last July's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford has been diverted from landfill thanks to a recycling partnership between the airshow and a waste management company.
This summer's Air Tattoo, which drew crowds in excess of 130,000, produced 66.98 tonnes of rubbish for disposal, four tonnes less than in 2010. Of that, 23.7 tonnes (38.47 per cent) was recycled. Almost all the remainder was converted into power through the national Energy-from-Waste scheme.
During the past two years, the Air Tattoo has worked closely with Oxfordshire-based Grundon Waste Management to introduce new recycling initiatives including the collection of mixed recyclables such as cardboard, paper, mixed-colour glass bottles, plastic bottles and metal cans.
To support the public initiatives, Air Tattoo organisers introduced an awareness campaign to encourage staff and their 2,000-strong volunteer army to recycle.
Air Tattoo Site Manager Vince Sturt said: "The waste disposal statistics collected this year have been extremely encouraging with over 98 per cent of our waste diverted from landfill. Each year we try to increase the amount that we recycle and this really is a great effort. We encourage everyone - staff, volunteers and visitors to recycle as much as they can. Although we just fell short of our 40 per cent target this year we are still moving in the right direction. I am confident we'll reach it next July."
Next summer's Air Tattoo on July 7-8 will see the airshow join forces with the Royal Air Force to stage a special Diamond Jubilee celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.
A limited number of special Super Earlybird tickets, priced £29, are available by visiting the ticket page or by calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.
November 29, 2011
