The Phoenix Convention Center has never been more committed to sustainable event practices. A core tenant of those sustainable event practices is managing the thousands of pounds of food waste the venue creates each year.
"We work closely with nonprofit partners to make sure surplus food reaches those who need it most,” said Sustainability Coordinator Sarah Bentley. “And when donation isn’t possible, our composting program keeps food waste in the community, giving it a second life and reducing our impact"
The Convention Center recently hosted two events that showcased both our food donation and composting efforts. COMPOST2025, a group dedicated to creating a zero-waste event, worked hand in hand with the venue to make sure the event had a sustainability emphasis.
The Phoenix Convention Center works closely with the Public Works Department to coordinate composting efforts, which plays a large role in the venue’s composting infrastructure and collection process.
In recent years, the Convention Center hosted both the Super Bowl Experience and the NCAA Men's Final Four Fan Fest — both of which sent food waste to the City’s 27th Ave. Compost Facility. At that facility, the waste is turned into compost that goes to plant nurseries, community gardens, and city parks. .
"Phoenix's composting efforts go beyond any one City department," said Deputy Public Works Director Eduardo Rodriguez. "It's more of a mindset, and we are trying to lead by example as we encourage residents to do their part. Together, all these efforts can keep organic waste out of the landfill and help us reach our goal of becoming a zero-waste city by 2050."
In addition to composting and zero waste efforts, the Convention Center is also focused on giving back to the local community where it can. That spirit was on display as the PCC welcomed in early February the KeHe Summer Show, an event for food distributors which brought thousands of pounds of food into the facility.
“No food should go to waste when it can serve a greater purpose,” Bentley said. “By working together, the facility and client ensured 56,510 pounds of food were donated to St. Mary's Food Bank, setting an example for how venues can drive sustainability through collaboration and community partnerships.”
The Phoenix Convention Center is committed to maintaining sustainable event excellence, you can keep up with the facility’s efforts by checking out the sustainability dashboard.