Dive Brief:

• Thousands of pounds of airline trash is collected at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, brought to the recycling center, sorted, pulverized and fed to worms.

• One million worms are housed in wooden containers, breaking down consumer food waste produced during the flight.

• The worms project cost more than $500,000, 

Dive Insight:

Although the composting project was created to save the airport money, the cost of running the program is 28% higher than the original estimate. The project cost more than $500,000, however, the airport has saved on landfill fees. The waste product made by the worms is used as a fertilizer on the grounds of the airport.