Slithering Into Sustainability: Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary Hits Zero Organic Waste Thanks to Let’s Go Compost and Denali

Meet the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, the largest reptile sanctuary in the United States and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on reptile rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation education. Since PHS's inception in 2001, the staff and volunteers of PHS have dedicated the majority of their time to rescuing reptiles, and many times rehabilitating those reptiles. Their services have grown over the years from solely taking in unwanted reptile pets to rattlesnake removal, rattlesnake removal training, helping take in and reunite lost and found reptiles, working with law enforcement agencies for illegal or confiscated animals, and even helping special needs reptiles. Emphasizing that "Conservation Begins With Education," PHS also spends much of their time in the public space, educating about the amazing animals that are reptiles through school presentations and exhibits. On average, they house 1,500 to 3,000 reptiles and animals – meaning they deal with a lot of waste.

In January 2024, Let's Go Compost began working with PHS to find a waste solution for their facility to handle inedible food donations, enclosure bedding, and manure. Beginning first with education, Let’s Go Compost was able to provide workshops and materials connecting PHS’s conservation efforts to the impact a zero organic waste facility could have on the reptiles and animals they serve, both locally and globally. From books to compost tumblers to visual aids for facilities tours (showcasing PHS’s efforts to compost), the facility began their zero-waste journey with full steam ahead.

Thanks to a generous sponsorship by WeCare Denali in May 2024 that Let's Go Compost was able to secure, all organic waste is now being composted from PHS's site at the WeCare Denali City of Phoenix Composting Facility. An estimated 3,187.2 pounds of organic waste is now being composted each week, translating to 165,734.4 pounds per year. Not only will discarded vegetation and bedding now be turned into nutrient-rich soil, but the site is now reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 177.35 tons of CO₂e annually, the same as removing 38 passenger vehicles from the road with a water footprint of 3.41 million gallons, equivalent to 5 olympic swimming pools.

Let’s Go Compost is proud to have worked with PHS and WeCare Denali behind the scenes to champion this zero waste impact. By allowing Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary to maintain its focus on reptile rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation education, Let's Go Compost was able to take charge behind the scenes to address the challenge of organic waste management within the facility and seamlessly integrate zero waste solutions and composting pick up without disrupting the facility’s day-to-day operations.

Findings based on wet food waste weight of 8.3 lbs. per gallon alongside the ReFed Impact Calculator: https://insights-engine.refed.org/impact-calculator. 

To learn more about Let's Go Compost, visit their website at letsgocompost.org.