Waste Management Phoenix Open has diverted 100 percent of waste away from landfills in the presence of 563,008 fans.
As part of its Zero Waste Challenge, the 2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open earned UL Environment’s landfill waste diversion, or “Zero Waste to Landfill” status, a certification proven through transparent reporting and detailed data.
Zero Waste to Landfill is UL Environment’s highest landfill diversion rate designation and recognizes the Waste Management Phoenix Open for achieving a 100 percent landfill diversion rate with 10 percent incineration with energy recovery.
The Zero Waste Challenge emphasizes reuse and ensures that all of the waste generated is used in waste-to-energy facilities and also vendors use recycled products only.
David Aardsma, chief sales and marketing officer, waste management said, “To achieve this goal, the Waste Management Sustainability Services consultants, together with the operations team joined with vendors and sponsors bringing out a comprehensive and effective plan. Waste Management Phoenix Open has purchased 100 percent renewable energy from the local utility since 2010.”
The combined recycling and composting efforts avoided 346 m tons of greenhouse gas emissions and conserved 632 trees, 368,690 gallons of water and 471,248 KWh of electricity.
The water used by caterers is used again in the portable toilets and vendors who create signage for the event make them from sustainable materials that can be recycled every year.