Hillsborough County's Solid Waste department is calling all young environmental enthusiasts to creatively showcase their commitment to reducing waste. Students in grades three through twelve are invited to submit their artwork for the third annual Waste Reduction and Recycling Art Contest. The submissions window is now open, and students can submit their work anytime before the November 30 deadline using the Waste Reduction and Recycling Art Contest Form.
This year's theme, "Small Acts, Big Impact - Show how everyday choices help reduce waste at home and in your community," aims to to emphasize the power that simple, daily decisions can have on the environment. According to the announcement by Hillsborough County, the competition is an opportunity for students to express their concern for the environment and propose tangible ways to make a difference. Submissions can range from drawings using traditional or digital tools to collages combining various materials, as long as they exclude the use of AI programs.
To be eligible, participants need to be enrolled in a local school or be home-schooled within Hillsborough County. The artwork submitted must be entirely original, crafted without assistance, and reflect individual creativity tied to the theme. Hillsborough County Solid Waste is encouraging students to include ideas in their art that highlight activities such as litter cleanups, food waste reduction, composting practices, and the use of reusable products. Detailed instructions and guidelines for the contest can be found on the county's official newsroom page.
Submissions will be reviewed by Hillsborough County staff, from which three winners will be chosen, one from each educational level: elementary, middle, and high school. Winners will be selected in January 2026 and will be honored with countywide recognition and prizes that align with the contest's ethos. Furthermore, they will be celebrated at a special event scheduled for February 2026.
Last year's contest saw participation from 26 students, with the awards ceremony held at the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center. Winners received certificates and sustainable prizes as recognition for their artwork, while attendees were given insight into the recycling process. The triumphant entries from the previous year can be viewed on the Hillsborough County website.
