Sustainability Efforts Thrive at Bend’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District

In Bend, Oregon, the Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District have made significant strides in reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Last year, their recycling efforts kept nearly 200,000 pounds of trash out of landfills. These venues, long committed to environmental stewardship, continue to lead by example in the community.

From Amphitheater to District

The Hayden Homes Amphitheater has been recycling for some time, but recently, the Old Mill District, which manages both the venue and the adjacent shopping district, has significantly stepped up its efforts. This includes hiring a full-time sustainability manager, Justin Alvarado. Under his leadership, the district is actively implementing more sustainable practices across its businesses.

Businesses Take the Initiative

One standout example is Greg’s Grill, where General Manager Andreas Gregoriou has implemented several measures to minimize single-use items. Customers can request water upon arrival, leftover food is composted on-site, and takeout containers are chosen with sustainability in mind. Sisters Coffee Co. also diverts coffee grounds to local farms for composting, and clothing stores recycle plastic bags and cardboard.

Mission-Aligned Sustainability

The Old Mill District’s sustainability initiatives align with the founding vision of developer Bill Smith, who aimed to transform a former industrial site into a thriving community hub. These efforts reflect a commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.

“Bill Smith transformed the Old Mill,” Alvarado emphasized. “It was a huge environmental win. We want to continue that legacy by taking leadership in waste management and sustainable practices.”

Addressing Single-Use Waste

While significant progress has been made, the district now focuses on reducing waste from single-use items. Legislation banning polystyrene foam containers and packing peanuts in Oregon, effective January 2025, will further aid these efforts. Kavi Chokshi from The Environmental Center’s Rethink Waste Project underscores the importance of transitioning to reusable alternatives over recycling alone.

“Switching from single-use to reusable across the region is really important,” Chokshi said. “While recycling is vital, it’s just one part of the solution.”

Collaborative Efforts

The Environmental Center works with local businesses to support their sustainability efforts. Initiatives like reusable containers that customers can use across different businesses are being explored. Increased participation could drive down the costs of these containers, making them more feasible for widespread use.

Fighting Food Waste

Food waste represents a significant challenge, accounting for one-third of all waste. Each year, approximately 34,000 pounds of food waste end up in Knott Landfill, incurring an average cost of $1,800 annually per family. By composting food scraps, residents and businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

“Residents of Bend can compost food waste in their yard waste bins,” Chokshi noted. “This not only reduces waste in landfills but also enriches soil.”

Averting a Landfill Crisis

The Knott Landfill is projected to reach capacity in just five years. Addressing waste management proactively is critical to extend its lifespan and protect the environment. Efforts like those at Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District are vital components of this strategy.

Sustainability in Action at the Amphitheater

The Hayden Homes Amphitheater, previously recognized by Live Nation as one of the country’s most sustainable venues, continues to innovate. Concert-goers use reusable aluminum cups, and the venue strives to divert waste from landfills. In 2022, the amphitheater achieved a 76.85% waste diversion rate, which improved to 87% in 2024 during its 56-show season.

The amphitheater also plans to replace compostable utensils with bamboo, waxed popcorn bags with paper bags, and establish additional recycling stations throughout the district.

Expanding Sustainable Practices

From composting at restaurants to recycling thin plastic bags at clothing stores, the Old Mill District is adopting a comprehensive approach to sustainability. In just a few months, owning manager Alvarado has overseen the recycling of 162 pounds of plastic bags, with plans to expand these efforts further.

“While we’re always looking to improve, we’re doing what we can at the local level,” Alvarado stated. “Food waste is our top priority in terms of weight diverted.”

Future Outlook

The ambitious goal for the Hayden Homes Amphitheater is to reach a 90% landfill diversion rate. With ongoing initiatives like the Green Team’s efforts, the Old Mill District looks forward to applying these lessons to the entire community.

“We’re really hoping to take it up another level with Justin (Alvarado) and the lessons he’s learned,” said Beau Eastes, the Old Mill District’s marketing director. “Sustainability has always been important to us.”

Community-Wide Impact

The efforts at Bend’s Hayden Homes Amphitheater and Old Mill District demonstrate what can be achieved when sustainability is a priority. By reducing waste and promoting reusable practices, these venues inspire others to join the movement. As the community works together to combat waste management challenges, the environment stands to benefit significantly.

Let’s continue this progress and example-setting journey together. Comment below on your thoughts about these initiatives or share your own sustainable practices.

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