Waste Diversion and Circular Economy with the San Diego Padres

In response to California SB-1383 and the City of San Diego single use plastics reduction ordinance (SURPO), Petco Park has demonstrated sustainability leadership with its new front‑of‑house 2‑bin waste diversion system.
The system simplifies disposal by offering only two options—recycling and compost bins, eliminating the need for traditional landfill bins. To make this change, the ballpark supply chain has been modified to almost entirely compostable and recyclable products. Bags are then sorted by a trained team back-of-house to remove any landfill items that still do exist such as chip bags, before a clean compost stream is sent to the Otay Sustainability Park (Otay SP).
To ensure compostable materials successfully break down, the Padres partnered with Republic Services and Eco-Products to test serviceware for compatibility with the Otay SP composting facility. Results of these tests are then shared with procurement teams at the ballpark to source products that meet strict composting standards.
The 2025 season results are significant:
• 2,002.8 tons diverted from landfill with 856.1 tons of that ending up at the Otay SP as a clean, sorted compost stream
• Waste diversion rate increased from 44% to 82% by homestand
Compostable material is processed at Otay SP and returned to the Padres and the region as nutrient-rich compost. The Padres use this compost and mulch in landscaping throughout the ballpark. Outside of the ballpark, the finished compost will continue to benefit local landscaping projects, school gardens, and residential use—advancing a strong regional circular economy.