Yesterday, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena with Novelis, the Official Aluminum Recycling Partner of the Atlanta Hawks, hosted the second annual community recycling challenge kickoff event. The launch event, which featured students from David T. Howard Middle School, was designed to encourage community building, enhance recycling education and foster positive attitudes towards practicing long-term sustainability. 

“We’re so excited to have partners like Novelis who want to engage the community and make things like recycling and practicing sustainability fun for all who are involved,” said Amanda Mann, Chief Facilities Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “Teaming up with David T. Howard Middle School gives us an opportunity to see what the next generation is capable of, and we can’t wait to see how they use these new tools and skills that we’re teaching them for good and to benefit the greater city of Atlanta.”

The afternoon began with Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena’s Sustainability Manager Olivia Begalla leading a recycling-centered presentation. The students then went on a tour of the Arena which featured a stop at the Resource Recovery Room (R3), an area dedicated to sorting waste generated at all of the events. As part of the afternoon, the students designed and customized a banner focused on recycling that will hang in each of their respective grade's hall. These banners aim to raise awareness and show off their team's pride during the four week-long challenge. 

"It’s exciting to see students so engaged and eager to learn how the simple action of recycling impacts the world around them in tangible ways,” said Ashley Walsh, Senior Manager of Social Impact and Partnerships at Novelis. “We’re passionate about inspiring lifelong recyclers who champion sustainability within their schools and throughout their communities.” 

In February 2025, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena and Novelis announced that they extended their sustainability-focused partnership. Since 2021, the downtown venue and Novelis continue to leverage the power of live sports and entertainment to spread awareness about the importance of recycling and sustainability.

For more information on Novelis, visit novelis.com. 

For more information on the Hawks and State Farm Arena’s sustainability practices, visit statefarmarena.com/sustainability.