On December 8, the Sharks Foundation on behalf of the HP Pavilion and the Horace Mann School each received a check of $1000.00 from the City of San Jose and Allied Waste services of Santa Clara County for being leaders in recycling and sustainability. Allied Waste recognized HP Pavilion for their achievements in maintaining a monthly 90% diversion rate.

In 2001, the HP Pavilion’s event managers developed a plan to improve the recycling program at the arena.  HP Pavilion created a much more effective recycling program that now also includes a fantastic composting component. For HP Pavilion, better recycling and the startup of a composting program turned out to be significantly cheaper than landfill disposal. The HP Pavilion recycles all glass and plastics from the concessions, the restaurants and the bar areas. The venue also provides receptacles for glass and aluminum in the executive suites. Employees pick up the recyclables from the suites and sorts from trash receptacles after the events.

Approximately 30 kids and their principle were in attendance at City Hall from the Horace Mann Elementary School to receive the award. Vice President of Building Operations Rich Sotelo from HP Pavilion, Fan Development Manager Jeff Cafuir and loveable mascot S.J. Sharkie from the Sharks Foundation all were present to receive the check from Allied Waste, and the Mayor of San Jose, Chuck Reed.

"We'd like to thank Allied Waste for their generous donation to the Sharks Foundation and also to the City of San Jose for their recognition of our green efforts," Cafuir said. "The San Jose Sharks and HP Pavilion pride ourselves in being as environmentally conscious as possible, and we encourage our fans to do the same.

The kids from Horace Mann Elementary School, and the Sharks Foundation continue to strive towards their goal of making their school and building a green and sustainable place.