Hillsborough County students in grades 3-12 are invited to participate in the Waste Reduction & Recycling Art Contest
Students are encouraged to express their creativity and desire to protect the environment by inspiring action to reduce waste and recycle better. Create an original piece of artwork based on the annual theme and submit it for judging. See the “set up for success” section for County waste reduction and recycling guidelines.
Theme
"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Hero!"
Create an original hero whose powers help protect our community by reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling properly. Show their powers, tools, or actions that help our community reduce waste and protect the environment.
The deadline has been extended to April 30, 2027.
Submission deadline
The deadline for the 2026 Art Contest has been extended from November 30th, 2026, to April 30th, 2027. All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM, Friday, April 30th.
2025 Art Contest Winners
Rules and eligibility
- Open to students entering 3rd through 12th grade. Must be attending an Elementary, Middle, or High School or are home-schooled within Hillsborough County.
- Submitted artwork must be created solely by the student and be entirely original. Do not use, reproduce, or adapt existing artwork that is not yours. Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs are not acceptable to create or assist in making any art piece submission type.
- Do not include any personal information including your name, age, grade, or school on the artwork. This information is only to be provided in the submission form.
- Do not include any brand names, logos, or other brand-identifying information in your artwork. Submissions that include these details will not be considered.
- Submissions are to reflect Hillsborough County’s waste reduction and recycling programs. Artwork that does not align with the programs will not be eligible for selection as a winning entry. Be sure to review the “set up for success” section below for inspiration and guidance.
Set up for success: waste reduction and recycling program resources
Please review these webpages about reducing, reusing, and recycling to help ensure artwork submissions match the County’s programs.
Waste reduction
- Anti-litter campaign - Participate in a litter pickup to keep Hillsborough County clean.
- Composting food scraps - Help turn food scraps into a soil by dropping off at the County’s food scrap drop off station or composting at home.
- Donation & Waste Diversion Program - Donate old clothes or buy items second-hand.
- Reduce your waste - Say no to single-use plastic, swap to reusable bags, bottles, or straws.
Recycling
Recycling - Items accepted in the County’s recycling program include only cardboard, cartons, paper, and paperboard, plastic bottles and jugs, metal food and drink cans, and glass bottles and jars. No plastic bags or bagged items, please!
- Recycling Guide - The Recycling Guide is your one-stop-spot to learn about recycling, reuse, and waste reduction in Hillsborough County!
Judging
Hillsborough County staff will judge submissions. Three winners will be selected, one from each range: 3rd grade through 5th grade; 6th grade through 8th grade; and 9th grade through 12th grade.
Winners
Winners will be announced at the Annual Art Contest Recognition Event and receive countywide recognition. All participants will be celebrated and receive waste reduction-themed prizes.
Countywide recognition
2025 Waste Reduction & Recycling Art Contest winners featured on Solid Waste trucks at the annual Recognition Event. This could be YOU!
Questions
Please contact the Waste Reduction & Recycling Program at Recycling@HCFL.gov.