FedEx and PGA TOUR Team Up to Slash Waste at St. Jude Championship

At the 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, FedEx partnered with the PGA TOUR to implement a comprehensive sustainable waste initiative aimed at drastically reducing landfill contributions. This effort included repurposing over 18,000 pounds of plastic fence wrap and mobilizing local volunteers to manage surplus food and organic waste, demonstrating a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship during a major golf event.

Community Collaboration Rescues Food and Manages Organic Waste

More than 50 volunteers from Clean Memphis and Compost Fairy joined forces to rescue 2.75 tons of surplus food, compost 3.75 tons of organic material, and sort recycling throughout the tournament. These measures not only prevented excessive waste from being discarded but also highlighted how logistics, community action, and sustainability can work effectively together.

Janet Boscarino, representing Clean Memphis, praised the teamwork behind this initiative:

“Clean Memphis is proud to support the FedEx St. Jude Championship, mobilizing local volunteers to rescue surplus food, compost organic waste, and ensure recyclables are properly sorted. By collaborating with FedEx and the PGA TOUR, we are not only reducing environmental impact but also strengthening our community—and showing that sustainability is truly a team effort.”

—Janet Boscarino, Clean Memphis

FedEx Supply Chain’s Role in Recycling and Circular Economy Efforts

FedEx Supply Chain played a crucial role beyond traditional logistics by managing the collection, transportation, and recycling of plastic fence wrap. The material was sent to a recycling facility in Mississippi, exemplifying a circular economy model where waste becomes a resource. This process reflected FedEx’s commitment to sustainable waste management while helping customers meet ecological goals.

Vincent Woolgar, managing director of customer operations for FedEx Supply Chain, commented on this partnership:

“Our collaboration with the PGA TOUR and local agencies reflects FedEx Supply Chain’s dedication to innovative, sustainable logistics solutions. By managing the collection and repurposing of plastic fence wrap, we’re turning what was once waste into valuable resources, while demonstrating how our disposition services can help customers meet their sustainability goals efficiently and responsibly.”

—Vincent Woolgar, FedEx Supply Chain

PGA TOUR’s Commitment to Environmental Leadership Through Waste Reduction

The PGA TOUR’s focus on reducing waste at its events gains momentum through collaborations like this one with FedEx. Brazos Barber, PGA TOUR’s director of sustainability, highlighted the importance of the project:

“The PGA TOUR is playing its part in creating a more sustainable future by minimizing waste and diverting materials from landfills. Collaborating this year with FedEx Supply Chain and FedEx Cares at the St. Jude Championship has allowed us to take meaningful steps forward — recycling thousands of pounds of materials and engaging the local community in reducing landfill waste. This pilot sets a new standard for how future PGA TOUR events can lead on environmental stewardship.”

—Brazos Barber, PGA TOUR

Impact Beyond the Tournament: A Model for Future Golf Events

This initiative reflects a broader commitment by FedEx Cares and the PGA TOUR to reduce emissions, conserve natural resources, and divert waste across all Tour events in the U.S. and Canada. Programs such as Project Green Fork play a key role in rescuing healthy food for local groups, while Compost Fairy ensures organic waste is processed responsibly. Together, these efforts are shaping a sustainable future for golf tournaments by integrating innovative logistics and community engagement.

The FedEx St. Jude Championship serves as a pioneering example of how partnerships between corporations, local organizations, and event organizers can deliver impactful environmental solutions that benefit both communities and the planet. This pilot is expected to inspire similar initiatives at upcoming PGA TOUR events nationwide, establishing new standards for ecological responsibility in sports.