The Missouri Department of Transportation is inviting students across the state to participate in a trash-can decorating contest. The contest, called “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free,” is part of the department’s annual “No MOre Trash!” campaign, which begins in April 2026, according to MoDOT. Students from kindergarten through high school are encouraged to take part and promote messages about keeping the environment clean.
Each school group can enter a trash can decorated with the campaign’s logo and a message promoting litter prevention. The contest is divided into grade categories—K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12—and entries will be judged on creativity and compliance with the rules.
The contest offers monetary prizes for participating schools. As per MoDOT, first-place winners in each category will receive $200 for their school, and the overall winner will receive $600 and a trophy. The contest aims to combine student creativity with messages about environmental responsibility.
Students interested in the contest have until March 13, 2026 to submit an entry form, up to three photos of their decorated trash can, and a release form. All forms and detailed rules are available on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s website, which also features past winners and educational resources. The materials are provided free of charge to encourage participation from schools across the state.
