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The National Basketball Arena (NBA) scores big in waste diversion efforts. As high-profile venues, basketball arenas see increased foot-traffic, waste, and contaminated surfaces, making them culprits of large carbon emissions. However, facilities nationwide are embracing eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices that align with green building goals.

The following eight NBA arenas are leading the league with their sustainability initiatives:

State Farm Arena, Atlanta: Home of the Atlanta Hawks, the arena is globally recognized as the first TRUE Platinum-certified sports and entertainment venue for zero waste. At the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, 97 percent of fan-generated waste was diverted. Since then, 13 million pounds of waste has been diverted from landfills.

Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio: A comprehensive waste diversion, composting, and recycling program has supported the conversion of 181,240 pounds of food waste into soil, which is given back to the community. This builds upon a 50 percent increase from the previous season, sustained through a continued partnership with Waste Management.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis: Following a three-year renovation project, Gainbridge Fieldhouse’s commitment to sustainable systems resulted in increases in both water efficiency (37 percent) and energy efficiency (12 percent). Innovative initiatives, such as the implementation of reusable cups at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, resulted in an 80 percent return rate, supporting future zero-waste projects.

Intuit Dome, Los Angeles: This arena’s ambitious goal of diverting around 90 percent of its waste material resulted in an operational system overhaul. Material sourcing, staff training, and partnerships reduced waste before it entered the premises. In 2026, this comprehensive collaboration provided an opportunity to recover and donate over 6,000 pounds of materials for community reuse.

Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles: Bright yellow waste bins signal a shift to reusable cups, the latest initiative in reducing waste. Additional bins for plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and containers are collected from waste streams and turned into soil for community use.

Kaseya Center, Miami: Following a multi-year sustainability action plan, the arena has achieved a diversion rate of over 50 percent. The Miami Heat’s mission continues through community. Current local partnerships have resulted in the donation of 93,000 pounds of unused food to local shelters, further engaging fans and partners in reducing broader environmental impact.

Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Focusing on food and material waste, the venue employs a food digester to sort organic waste into “gray water,” a safe substance that can return to the city’s water system. Other organic waste is shared with facilities where it is converted into energy, fuel, and/or fertilizer. Fiserv Forum was recently recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council as a recipient of the 2026 U.S. Local Leadership Award for Project Excellence, as well as by the Green Sports Alliance with the Material Management and Water Efficiency awards.

Moda Center, Portland: The Portland Trail Blazers have effectively eliminated 1.5 million single-use cups through their reusable cup program. The switch was made to eliminate waste before its existence, while also integrating waste reduction into the fan experience.