Venice Marco Polo Airport advances zero emissions plan with new pneumatic waste collection system

Credit: SAVE Group

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) has taken a major step toward its goal of zero emissions by 2030 with the launch of an advanced pneumatic waste collection system, developed in partnership with Envac, a global leader in automated waste solutions. Following Oslo Gardermoen, Marco Polo becomes the second airport in Europe to adopt this technology.

Details on Venice Airport’s installation of Envac waste system

Installed on the south side of the terminal, the system uses more than 500 metres of underground pipes to transport separated waste—residual, multi-material packaging (plastic, glass, cans), and organic—directly to a centralised collection station. Operated 24/7, it currently processes 33% of all waste produced at the airport.

The benefits include more efficient waste separation, elimination of on-site waste depots, reduced vehicle movements within the airport, and improved ergonomic working conditions for staff. The system is expected to save around six tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Waste is periodically collected by local provider VERITAS for treatment and recovery.

The SAVE Group has invested €2.1 million in this first phase, with future plans to expand the system throughout the terminal, reaching 6.5 km of piping by 2037. The full rollout is part of a broader €378 million environmental sustainability strategy.

Monica Scarpa, CEO of SAVE Group, said: “The path undertaken by our airport to achieve zero emissions by 2030 is proceeding with concrete actions… The waste collection system is an important step in this roadmap… with an additional €52 million planned for its expansion.”

Carlos Bernad, President of Envac EMEA & CEO of Envac Iberia, added: “We are very proud to be part of this plan… to help redefine the way waste is managed in an increasingly humane and environmentally conscious and sustainable environment.”

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