The WM Phoenix Open has been recognized as the largest zero-waste sporting event in the world and has been GEO Certified for five years in a row.
In partnership with the Thunderbirds, tournament vendors and the PGA TOUR, WM leads operational efforts to divert 100% of waste from landfill through recycling, composting, donation and energy conversion. The cornerstone of WM’s operational achievements begins and ends with Recycling Right, WM’s very own Recycling Education platform.
The WM Phoenix Open has been awarded GEO certification following the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 tournaments. Since 2013, Waste Management has taken a zero-waste approach with the tournament, through recycling, composting, donation, reuse or creating energy – with more than 10.06 million pounds of material going to its next best use.
Sustainability highlights also include water conservation measures to ensure water is used responsibly, including the collection of greywater from kitchens as well as the hospitality bars on the 16th hole to be reused in portable toilets.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the tournament purchases 100% renewable electricity from Arizona Public Service and fuels generators with biodiesel. In addition, Waste Management’s trucks used to haul materials from the tournament are fuelled with compressed natural biofuels.
The tournament offsets 100% of its unavoidable carbon footprint, including all tournament operations, event management transportation, professional and amateur player travel, vendor travel and volunteer travel.
Many of the great initiatives can be seen on the WM Phoenix Open website which includes a new virtual sustainability tour during tournament week to educate fans about zero waste, water restoration, greenhouse gas management and other sustainability initiatives.
The tournament is played at the TPC Scottsdale, a GEO Certified course, and in addition to the environmental actions, the tournament has an enormous impact on the community as well with the 2020 WM Phoenix Open raised $14 million for local charities, including $170,000 donated to environmental organizations from Green Out Day.
Read the event's sustainability report or download the GEO Certification report below.
