Qantas is nearly four years into an onboard recycling program for domestic flights, in conjunction with recycling in its Qantas Club lounges. The airline says it is recycling about 6.5 million bottles, cups and cans a year, equating to about 29 million since the program started. Qantas says it is working with quarantine officials on a solution for international waste but at this stage cannot extend recycling to international flights. British Airways has made some progress with aluminium drink can recycling in place for international flights to Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The cans go straight into recycling bags on the aircraft to prevent contamination from food waste, thereby avoiding quarantine issues. Virgin Australia, which has been a leader in carbon offsetting and reducing emissions, is just getting started with onboard waste reduction.