Stephen Mergener

Based in San Diego, Stephen Mergener is a prominent sustainability leader and circular economy advocate with over 15 years of experience in waste reduction and materials recovery. As the Vice President of Zero Waste San Diego, Stephen has been instrumental in co-producing the annual Zero Waste Symposium (2019–2026), transforming it into a vital platform for environmental policy and knowledge sharing.

Advocacy and Practical Diversion
Stephen is a leading voice for the “Right to Repair” movement. Through his work with Fixit Clinics, he champions community-led initiatives that empower residents to repair, reuse, and repurpose items rather than discarding them. His expertise is rooted in years of hands-on operations, including:
Director of Operations at Reusable Finds (2010–2018): Managing large-scale resource recovery.
Founder of Scalvage (2019-2026): An estate liquidation and resale firm dedicated to preventing landfill waste through repurposing and redistribution.

A Multidisciplinary Professional Background
Stephen brings a results-driven, financially grounded perspective to sustainability. His diverse professional history includes:
Finance: Experience in mortgage banking, traditional banking, and institutional trading.
Technology & Marketing: A background in web design, hosting, and online marketing, including the founding of Wedding Connections (1996–2018).
Creative Arts: An accomplished wedding photographer who has captured over 200 ceremonies.

Community Leadership
Deeply committed to the San Diego community, Stephen has served on the board of the San Diego NACE Chapter (National Association of Catering Executives). He is also an active member of the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) and a key player on the OMTRASH green team. In this role, he leads recycling and sustainability efforts for major local events, including the 73rd Annual World Championship Over the Line (OTL) tournament in July 2026.
Stephen’s journey reflects a unique fusion of entrepreneurship, community service, and environmental stewardship, all focused on building practical systems for a waste-free future.