CLEVELAND – Rocket Arena has unveiled a reimagined waste room, created in collaboration with WM. Team members from Rock Entertainment Group and WM gathered in the new space for an official ribbon cutting ceremony on January 7. The renovation is a major component of the broader sustainability plan at Rocket Arena. 

The waste room enhances environmental service operations, supports waste diversion efforts and improves the guest experience. It features two new compactors, that can handle significantly larger volumes of waste. Additionally, for every event at Rocket Arena, a dedicated environmental services team inspects each bag of waste by hand, enabling food waste diversion and helping prevent contamination of recycle and compost streams.

“This space and the investment we put into it are proof of our commitment to prioritizing productive and safe spaces for our team members and improving sustainable operations,” said Danielle Doza, VP of Sustainability and Environmental Services for Rocket Arena. “While our guests may not see this space, it is critical to our success operationally. At Rocket Arena, we are obsessed with finding a better way – to enhance the fan experience, to be more effective and efficient with environmental services operations and to advance our sustainability goals.” 

In September 2024, Rocket Arena and WM announced their strategic collaboration to advance sustainability efforts for the arena and Rock Entertainment Group’s portfolio of teams. The reimagined waste room, developed utilizing data from WM’s collection operations, strengthens their shared mission to improve the venue’s environmental impact. 

"As a result of these efforts, we have supported Rocket Arena and the Cleveland Cavaliers in more than doubling their waste diversion rate, reaching 35.8% as of October 2025," said Frank Fello, WM’s Great Lakes Area vice president. "This success reflects Rocket Arena and the Cavaliers commitment to fostering productive, safe workplaces and elevating sustainable operations. Such achievements are only possible with true collaboration, innovation, and a shared dedication to advancing sustainability. Our team looks forward to continuing this momentum alongside Rocket Arena and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as we promote greater awareness and implementation of best practices in recycling."

Since the waste room officially opened in October 2025, Rocket Arena has already seen an increase of landfill diversion by 15% in a two-month period. For more information on Rocket Arena’s sustainability efforts, visit rocketarena.com/green.