The Colorful History and Innovation of Waste Management Phoenix Open

The Waste Management Phoenix Open has long been recognized as one of the most unique stops on the PGA Tour. Known as “The People’s Open,” it started its journey over 80 years ago in 1939. Beyond providing professional golf entertainment, it includes a sustainable mission, executing some of the best practices in waste management.

Unlike other events, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has made its mark by focusing on sustainability efforts and pioneering a zero-waste event. This event has turned itself into a model for other events to follow, allowing it to be the largest verified zero-waste event in the world. It is a bold undertaking that continues to break new ground in the sports industry.

Waste Management, the event’s title sponsor since 2010, has used this platform to demonstrate its commitment and innovation in the waste industry. Adopting the slogan “The Greenest Show on Grass,” this tournament integrates sustainability into every aspect of the event, from energy use and water conservation to communication and engagement, leading the way in showcasing some of the best solid waste management practices.

Waste Management’s approach to waste is simple: With deliberate planning and aggressive recycling, composting, and education efforts, it’s possible to minimize the environmental impact of this huge event. Waste Management has accomplished this by promoting recycling, composting, and using renewable energy.

From the spectator parking lots to the food and beverage stands, recycling bins can be found everywhere across the TPC Scottsdale grounds. Auditors even manually sort the waste to ensure that as much material as possible is recycled or composted. Meanwhile, all food waste is composted, eliminating the need for major dumpsters or trash piles often seen at other large events.

In terms of energy use, the open has prioritized using renewable energy sources to power the event, including biodiesel for generators and machinery and solar panels to provide clean energy.

Communications and engagement are another cornerstone of the waste management strategy during the Phoenix Open. Year after year, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has reached out to its attendees, partners and even players to inform and engage them on their green initiatives. Meanwhile, Waste Management has also used the Phoenix Open to showcase new waste solutions and technologies to a broad audience.

Finally, all these efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Council for Responsible Sport has recognized the open for its ground-breaking efforts towards creating a more sustainable event.

To put it succinctly, the Waste Management Phoenix Open is an exemplary event that has genuinely made a difference in how sport events can minimize their environmental footprint. It has demonstrated that best practices in waste management, recycling and sustainability can be successfully and thoroughly integrated into a major event, creating a more environmentally conscious sport platform.

By showcasing the best solid waste management practices each year, the Waste Management Phoenix Open sends out a very clear message: It is possible to manage waste effectively and innovative solutions are within our reach. It’s a lesson we can all take on board and apply in our communities and lives for a healthier planet.