State Farm Arena and Rubicon have delivered the first-ever zero-waste NBA All-Star Game. The 2021 All-Star Game marked the 70th event and, for the first time ever, held four events in a single day.
As a common practice across the industry, if an event has more than 90 percent overall diversion from a landfill and materials are reduced, reused, recycled, composted and/or recovered for productive use in nature or the economy, the event is considered "zero waste." During the event, the Hawks and State Farm Arena successfully diverted 97 percent of fan-generated waste with the help of Rubicon.
The Hawks' partnership with Rubicon provides the Hawks and State Farm Arena with industry-leading software and equipment for collecting and hauling materials as well as creative solutions for recycling various materials. In addition, Rubicon provides logistical and operational support.
Beginning with the second half of the Atlanta Hawks' 2020-21 regular season, State Farm Arena will continue to work with Rubicon on the newly implemented processes to ensure the venue remains a zero-waste venue for all future events. State Farm Arena hosts approximately 200 events annually.
"As we strive to make State Farm Arena a sustainable venue for all events, we are proud that our zero-waste program exceeded expectations during this marquee event," said Sofi Armenakian, director of operations and sustainability for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. "Our continuing partnership with Rubicon made this achievement possible and will help us set a new standard on how a sports venue can contribute in their community's sustainability efforts and how we play green off the court."
