Resource Use and Circular Economy

Avinor wants to take part in the transition to a circular economy, and a long-term goal for Avinor is increased reuse and circularity at all our airports. This applies both to Avinor’s own activities and in collaboration with suppliers, partners, and others.

Circular procurement, maintenance, and reuse

Opportunities to reduce waste, increase reuse, and improve material recycling begin already when purchasing products and services for the airports. In procurement processes, requirements are set for durability, repairability, and the possibility for reuse. In addition, products must be designed in a way that allows materials to be recycled and used as raw materials in new production.

Avinor’s airports have a tradition of repairing and reusing equipment and materials. Good routines and systems for maintenance and relocation of rolling stock—such as sweepers, gritters, and wheel loaders—to other airports are examples of this. In 2024, 14 vehicles were relocated to other airports. In 2024, Avinor also sold equipment and materials through external auction platforms.

Reuse is also central in construction projects, for example in the handling of excavated masses.

Waste sorting at the airports

All Avinor airports sort waste, and waste management is part of the environmental management at all airports. The amount of waste is measured and reported by the waste collection companies, enabling systematic work on waste reduction and improved material recycling at each airport and for the company as a whole.

Reducing food waste

The production and sale of food is by far the biggest source of food waste at the airports, and more than half of the food discarded at our largest airports is assessed as edible. Specific requirements for food-waste reduction measures have been included in new contracts, and Avinor cooperates with commercial partners in the terminals to reduce food waste. Passenger forecasts are used to plan food production more precisely. In addition, at seven airports it is possible to use the app TooGoodToGo to prevent edible food from becoming waste. Several airports also collaborate with volunteer organizations that collect surplus food.

Many passengers discard food at the security checkpoint because they misunderstand the liquid rules. Avinor will inform travelers about what they can bring in their hand luggage to avoid unnecessary food waste. Luggage rules

Oslo Airport – the Zero Waste project
Oslo Airport’s Zero Waste 2030 project aims to minimize consumption and reduce waste volumes. Read more about the project here: Zero Waste 2030 – Avinor.

Research for a more circular airport
Oslo Airport also participates in the EU project TULIPS, led by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. One of the project’s goals is to increase circularity at airports. The project has its own website: Home – TULIPS (tulips-greenairports.eu).