Monarch is the first UK airline to launch a full recycling programme on flights operating into London Gatwick.
All aluminium, plastic, glass and paper used during flights will now be recycled on landing.
”We are continually looking at ways to increase recycling at the airport and I”m delighted that Monarch has led the way in introducing a service which results in all recyclable onboard items now being recycled.” said BAA Gatwick customer service director, David Stretch.
Only 16% of Monarch passengers said they believed airlines "are doing enough to recycle onboard waste" in a recent poll undertaken by the airline.
This move comes as all aspects of Monarch business is to be evaluated as it tries to improve its environmental footprint.
”Monarch has been operating a paper collection scheme onboard its flights for a number of year”s now,” said Monarch Airlines managing director, Tim Jeans.
”But feedback from passengers and crew highlighted the fact that the recycling of other items, such as plastics and cans, is a part of everyday life now which people wished to continue.
”If they were at home they”d be recycling the items, so why should they not do so on flights?”
As well as onboard recycling, Monarch will also launch other environmental initiatives.
The introduction of biodegradable alternatives for items that can not be replaced by biodegradable bags and the printing of the in-flight magazine paper, will come from trees grown in sustainable forests.
The new initiatives are planned for Monarch flights during the next few months.