WM Partners with Novel Ice Cream for Sustainable Initiative at WM Phoenix Open

Waste Management Partners with Novel Ice Cream for Sustainable Initiative at WM Phoenix Open

Waste Management (WM), a prominent provider of environmental solutions, unveils its partnership with Arizona's Novel Ice Cream to launch a special mint-flavored ice cream, "WMPO Green Dream," at the upcoming WM Phoenix Open (WMPO) from February 3-8, 2026. This unique treat, composed of mint ice cream blended with chocolate chips and pretzels, will be available from a co-branded truck located in the WM Green Scene, an interactive area within the tournament's Fan Zone. The collaboration underscores WM's ongoing commitment to sustainability, as the ice cream will be served in eco-friendly containers, including compostable cups and cones.

The WMPO Green Dream initiative serves a dual purpose—promoting sustainability while engaging the local community. David Brannon, WM's Four Corners area vice president, articulates how this initiative not only provides a delightful experience for attendees but also inspires them to contribute to broader environmental initiatives. By integrating a fun and flavorful product into the event, WM aims to enhance awareness about eco-friendly practices among golf fans. This collaboration with Novel Ice Cream, which recently gained recognition as the best ice cream shop in the U.S. by Yelp, further solidifies the commitment of both companies to support local communities through environmentally conscious actions.

In addition to offering a unique ice cream flavor, the partnership has a philanthropic angle; Novel Ice Cream pledges to donate 20% of all ice cream sales to the WM Phoenix Open Working For Tomorrow FundSM. This fund focuses on financing sustainability-related projects across Arizona, reinforcing the shared mission of WM and Novel Ice Cream to foster environmental stewardship while enriching the local community. The WMPO Green Dream initiative thus represents a harmonious blend of enjoyment and responsibility, enhancing the overall experience of the tournament while driving awareness of sustainability efforts.

Long-Term Sustainability Through Solar Initiatives

In another significant development, WM collaborates with Reactivate, an Invenergy company, to convert over 50 former landfill sites into community solar projects and energy storage systems. This initiative is designed to bolster energy resiliency and stimulate economic benefits for local communities. Tara Hemmer, WM’s chief sustainability officer, highlights the project’s goal of expanding energy access to households, nonprofits, and local businesses, while also creating new economic opportunities through workforce training programs.

As the first phase of these projects is anticipated to reach commercial completion by late 2027, the partnership aims to repurpose vacant landfill sites to meet America’s growing energy demands. Through this collaboration, WM and Reactivate are committed to delivering sustainable solutions that enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve, thus contributing to a greener future.