If you have ever had anything confiscated at security when passing through Edinburgh Airport then you may be interested to know that the items will be donated to charity if they are unopened and sealed.
Most people know after 10 years that the UK and EU introduced rules on carrying liquids over 100 ml through security, and that all liquid items have to be presented in one clear plastic bag.
For those who don’t the answer is either to go back and check the items in to their hold luggage, or give them up to the security officers.
Edinburgh Airport is collaborating with Specialist Waste Recycling Ltd to donate all sealed items to raise funds for Guide Dogs Scotland.
Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive, said: “It is nearly 10 years on from the introduction of 100 ml restrictions through security – but sadly hundreds of litres of liquids have to be handed over at security every week.
“Most confiscations are bottles of water, other drinks and toiletries – but our security team are forced to take sealed bottles of wine, spirits, perfumes and aftershaves as well as some children’s toys too.
“As of Monday September 5 we will be donating sealed untampered confiscated items to our Corporate Charity of the Year – Guide Dogs Scotland who can use the items for fundraising.
“In the weeks and months ahead will continue to highlight rules on security with an online and in terminal awareness drive to remind passengers in an effort to save them losing items.
“I recognise that it can be annoying for passengers to have liquids taken off them but these rules have been in place for 10 years now and as an airport we are legally obliged to enforce them.
“Hopefully it will come as some comfort to passengers that any confiscated sealed untampered liquids are used for the benefit of a great charity like Guide Dogs Scotland and not just poured down the sink, as they were previously and as happens at other airports.”
Welcoming the move, Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “I’d like to congratulate Edinburgh Airport on this excellent initiative. Rather than have confiscated liquids and items thrown away, this initiative ensures that materials, that would otherwise have gone to waste, will benefit others. By reusing and recycling as much as we can, we divert valuable materials from landfill – hugely benefiting the environment and our economy.”
Guide Dogs Scotland Community Fundraiser Kyla Stratton said: “We’re delighted that Edinburgh Airport will be donating to Guide Dogs items such as perfumes, aftershaves, and wines.
“Our volunteer fundraisers work tirelessly to support our life-changing services for people with sight loss, and the donated items will be welcome as raffle and tombola prizes.
“Edinburgh Airport staff have come up with a great way to support a good cause, while also highlighting regulations about liquids in hand luggage.
“Our preference is that passengers are aware of the regulations permitting a 100ml maximum per container, and don’t see their confiscated presents go to waste. But in future we hope that anyone whose liquids are confiscated, can take some comfort in knowing that the items will be donated to charity.”
Photo courtesy of Ian Georgeson 07921 567360
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
