In 2006, Cathay Pacific began its recycling programme in-flight with the collection of aluminium cans and plastic bottles on flights into Hong Kong. On arrival in Hong Kong, these are received by our waste contractor and recycled. Thanks to the efforts of our hard-working cabin crew and caterer, Cathay Pacific Catering Services, from 2006-2007, we were able to collect 1.7 million aluminium cans and 1 million plastic bottles. According to the US EPA and US National Recycling Coalition, every aluminium can recycled saves enough energy to light a 100 watt light bulb for 3.5 hours, and every plastic recycled saves half the energy from that of a recycled can.