Scoring high in sustainability: Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena collect around 1 million pounds of waste including aluminium

The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena announced a significant milestone in their sustainability journey, extending heartfelt gratitude to fans, concertgoers, and partners for their active participation. They managed to divert around 3 million pounds of waste from landfills, out of which around one million pounds were composed of materials like aluminium, cardboard, plastics, glass, and more.

Nearly one million pounds of food and organic material were collected, underlining a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Within this remarkable accomplishment, the downtown Atlanta venue, recognized with the prestigious TRUE Platinum certification in April 2022, stands out as a trailblazer in the sports and live entertainment industry. TRUE Platinum certification is awarded to entities achieving zero waste by diverting over 90 per cent of all waste from landfills while steadfastly upholding sustainable practices.

Since 2021, the Hawks and State Farm Arena have collaborated closely with Novelis, a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, to promote fan engagement in recycling initiatives. A notable outcome of this collaboration was unveiling "FULL COURT PRESS" at the end of 2021. This sculpture, located on the Terrace level by Gate 2, comprises nearly 404 lbs. of upcycled aluminium cups and cans arranged in the shape of the primary Hawks logo.

"We would like to thank everyone who has attended an event at State Farm Arena and our partners for their collaboration and support. Because of you we diverted more than 3 million pounds of materials from the landfills in 2023. These materials are valuable resources and need to remain part of a circular system, like aluminum which is infinitely recyclable or cardboard that can be upcycled 5-7 times. We recognize that every action contributes to a more environmentally conscious and responsible future for our city and beyond and are so proud of accomplishing this new milestone within the sports and live entertainment industry," said Hawks and State Farm Arena Head of Sustainability Sofi Armenakian.

This milestone, achieved with the active participation of fans, concertgoers, and partners, signifies more than just a numerical feat. It is a testament to the power of collective action in fostering sustainability. The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, standing at the forefront of green innovation, not only celebrate this accomplishment but also beckon others to join the symphony of sustainability, where each chord struck contributes to a resounding and enduring melody of a greener future.