PDXaminer - Mayl 2005
Expanded Food Recycling Program Turns Leftovers into Compost
Port of Portland officials last month showcased the expansion of an innovative, successful food waste diversion program.
The Port demonstrated its expanded food waste diversion program at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, one of the new program participants, including the Embassy Suites Hotel Portland-Airport, Gate Gourmet, and LSG Sky Chefs, Inc. Representatives that helped the Port establish and expand the program, including Metro, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the City of Portland, also attended.
The Port launched its food waste diversion program at Portland International Airport (PDX) in 2003. Last year, the program sent to a regional composting facility, 85 tons of pre-consumer food waste from food preparation, including coffee grounds. The expanded program now includes post-consumer food waste enabling PDX restaurants and flight kitchens to recycle all food, including plate scrapings, food-soiled paper napkins and towels, and other compostable paper fibers like waxed cardboard.
The expanded program was first tested in March by longtime program participants Caper’s Café, Gustav’s Pub & Grill, Rose City Café, and Wendy’s.
TSA Lighter Ban Now in Effect, Matches Still Approved
by Tina Burke, Stakeholder Manager
Transportation Security Administration
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began enforcing the Congressional directive to ban lighters from beyond security checkpoints and onboard aircraft effective April 14.
The lighter ban includes butane, absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered and novelty lighters. TSA announced the ban in February; and has attempted to raise passengers’ awareness of the change through media events, news releases, and other reminders on their Web site, www.tsa.gov. To educate passengers about the ban, TSA also worked closely with Port of Portland officials and air carriers at Portland International Airport.
After carefully evaluating the security threat, Congressional intent and operational considerations, TSA determined passengers should be prohibited from carrying all lighters on their person beyond security checkpoints, in carry-on luggage, or onboard aircraft. Passengers, however, are still allowed to bring up to four books of matches with them on the plane.
As in the past, lighters are still considered hazardous materials and thus are not allowed in checked baggage. TSA does not expect the expanded measure to impact wait times at security checkpoints.
Parking Payment Now Faster in Economy Lots
Portland International Airport (PDX) travelers now have a fast, easy new way to pay for parking in the economy parking lots. Launched in mid-April, the new credit card payment system gets travelers out of parking lots faster by eliminating the need to wait in line for cashiers at exit gates.
Motorists use the new system by pulling up to the entrance gate and inserting a credit card into the ticket dispensing machine instead of pushing the button to get a ticket. When leaving the lot, motorists pull up to any “Express/Credit Card” exit and again insert the same credit card into the machine at the gate. The machine will automatically charge the appropriate fee to the credit card, return the card, provide a receipt, and open the gate.
Motorists who choose to take a ticket can also use the Express/Credit Card lane to quickly pay by credit card. To do so, they simply insert the ticket into the machine and after the fee is displayed, insert the credit card for payment. After the receipt is issued, the gate will open. Cashiers will remain available for travelers not familiar with the new system.
The effort follows the successful launch of the “Quick Pay” automated parking payment system in the parking garage and long-term parking lot. Using a credit card when entering and exiting is also an option in these lots. Since its January launch, Quick Pay has tallied more than 80 percent usage.
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