John Wayne Airport (JWA) is soaring toward sustainability with a mission to become a zero-waste airport—reducing landfill contributions, recovering edible food, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Orange County residents and the planet.
What’s Driving the Change? In California, Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires residents and businesses to reduce organic waste disposal by 75% (compared to 2014 levels) and recover 20% more edible food. Airports, like other commercial operations, must comply—and JWA is rising to the occasion.
JWA’s sustainability efforts are made possible through a close collaboration with OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) and with the support of a grant from California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). Together, they are advancing environmental goals through food recovery and waste diversion initiatives that support both people and the planet.
After receiving the CalRecycle grant in 2022, JWA began rolling out its outreach program in 2023 by working closely with airport tenants and food vendors. The team provided training materials, purchased refrigeration units, and incorporated site improvements to streamline waste separation and food recovery.
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Food That Feeds, Not Wasted As part of this initiative, unsold but still-edible food is separated, safely stored in refrigeration units, and picked up by local nonprofit partners for delivery to residents in need. In 2024, JWA partnered with Abound Food Care to officially launch the food recovery effort. This shift in practice marks a major step forward—food that once would have once gone to the landfill is now helping individuals and families across Orange County.
“The unsold edible food can provide meals for families in need, instead of being discarded into the waste stream,” said Irene Alonso, Strategic Communications Manager at OCWR. “These diversion efforts reduce the amount of organic material ending up at the landfill, which creates methane when it breaks down—this is all part of building a sustainable, circular economy.”
JWA Environmental Program Manager, Melinda McCoy highlights “Working with OC Waste & Recycling as a partner is a great way for us not only to give back, but really help somebody who may not have regular meals every day. Yes, we are in the airport business, but we are in the people business too.”
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JWA 2.jpgFood recovered from the airport getting delivered to OC families.
Educating for Impact Vendors were equipped with simple, easy-to-understand guides and clearly labeled bins to help them sort food waste, recyclables and landfill items quickly and correctly. The bins are broken down into three main categories: • Recyclables: Newspapers, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles • Organics: Food scraps, spoiled food, soiled napkins and paper towels • Landfill Waste: Packaging materials, milk cartons, baggage tags, pet waste, plastic gloves, single use utensils.
With these materials in place, vendors spend less time trying to figure out what goes where and more time focusing on their operations.
Final Destination: Zero Waste These efforts are just the beginning. With a thoughtful blend of education, infrastructure improvements, and strategic partnerships, JWA is charting a bold path toward becoming a truly zero-waste airport.
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JWA 3.jpgFood recovered in the CalRecycle grant-funded refrigerators.
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JWA 1.jpgCarts are ready for food donations.
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CAlLogoCLR_Eng-Fund.jpgFunded by a grant from the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
As we usher in the New Year, many of us are setting resolutions to live healthier and more organized lives. Whether it’s eating cleaner, or managing chronic health conditions, the start of a new year is the perfect time for change.
Sharp Resolutions
If you’re managing diabetes, weight loss, or blood pressure, it’s likely you’re using needles, lancets, or syringes as part of your health routine. However, it’s equally important to address how to dispose of those sharps properly.
Improper disposal of sharps poses significant risks not only to you but to waste haulers and sorting staff who handle discarded materials. Discarding needles, syringes, or lancets in your trash or recycling bin is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to injury or contamination.
This year, make it your resolution to dispose of your sharps safely. It's simpler than you think!
Stick to Safety
Here’s how you can dispose of your needles, and other sharps the right way:
Use a Sealed, Puncture-Proof Container: First and foremost, always store sharps in a container that is both sealed and puncture-resistant. This will keep everyone, including waste haulers, safe from accidental pricks or cuts. You can find these types of containers at most pharmacies—they are specifically designed for biomedical waste. Alternatively, you can reuse a sturdy container like a bleach bottle or a liquid fabric softener bottle. Just make sure the lid fits tightly and that it's clearly labeled with “SHARPS” to avoid any confusion.
Don’t Mix Sharps with Household Waste: Never place used needles in your regular trash or recycling bins. Sharps don’t belong there! By following the proper disposal method, you’ll protect those who handle waste on a daily basis.
Take Advantage of Free Disposal Services: Did you know that you can safely dispose of your sharps for FREE at one of Orange County’s four Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers? Located in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano, these centers make it easy for you to get rid of sharps in a safe and responsible manner. No need to risk injury or damage to the environment—just bring your sealed, labeled sharps container and drop it off at your nearest collection center Tuesday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Order a Free Mail-Back Kit: One additional option for disposal is through the state's Sharps Stewardship Program. California residents can now order free mail-back kits through the program’s website. Simply visit SharpstakeBackCalifornia.org, request a kit, and either mail it back or drop it off at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center for safe disposal. This is a convenient and cost-free way to manage your sharps disposal, especially if you’re unable to access a drop-off location.
Stick to Your Resolution!
This year, make the choice to dispose of sharps the right way.
For more information on sharps disposal visit OCRecycleGuide.com or to find the nearest Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center near you, visit OClandfills.com/hazardous-waste. Let’s make 2025 a year of safe, responsible disposal—because when it comes to sharps, safety comes first! Let’s make 2025 a year of safe, responsible disposal—because when it comes to sharps, safety comes first!
Discover the ultimate destination for home improvement and outdoor living at The OC Home & Backyard Show.
Since 2012, this premier event has been the largest home show in Southern California, connecting homeowners with top industry professionals and innovative companies.
Join us to explore a vast array of products and services designed to enhance your living space.
Whether you're looking for the latest in kitchen design, outdoor landscaping solutions, energy-efficient products, or cutting-edge home technology, you'll find it all under one roof.
Mingle with experts, attend informative seminars, and gain valuable insights that will inspire your next project.
With countless exhibitors showcasing their best offerings, this is the perfect opportunity to compare options and discover unique ideas tailored to your personal style and budget.
Mark your calendar and join us at The OC Home & Backyard Show for a weekend filled with inspiration and opportunities to transform your home and backyard into the spaces you've always dreamed of.
Location:
Anaheim Convention Center 200 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
Where: Magnolia High School, 2450 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, CA 92804
When: 9AM - 1PM
Residents can receive food, health screenings and school supplies while supplies last; apply for public assistance benefits such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief or CalWORKs; and visit with participating partners to find out more about other services and resources available to them.
