Students' artwork rolls through the county on recycling trucks for recognition

Hillsborough County's Solid Waste Management department proudly honored the winners of the second annual Waste Reduction and Recycling Art Contest by showcasing their artwork on recycling trucks across the county. The contest theme was "What Can We Do to Help the Community Reduce Waste, Reuse What We Have, and Recycle More?"

Creativity on display

The annual contest invites local students in grades 3 through 12 to express their creativity and desire to protect and preserve the environment through original artwork inspired by a yearly theme. Three winners were selected, one from each range:

  • Grades 3-5 - "Clean the Beach"
  • Grades 6-8 - "Recycle and Donate"
  • Grades 9-12 - "Reuse to Use"

Each winning artwork design was transformed into a decal and displayed on a recycling truck, turning everyday waste collection into a moving art gallery and a celebration of youth-driven sustainability.

A girl holding a teddy bear in front of green recycling truck points to her winning artwork on the side: "Recycle and Donate" - Donate unneeded clothing and purchase second hand to reduce clothing waste.
The 2024 6th–8th grade winner beams as she showcases her winning design displayed on the recycling truck.

A white recycling hauler truck displays the winning artwork "Clean the Beach" - Protect wildlife by properly picking up trash and recyclables at the beach.
The 2024 winning artwork from the 3rd–5th grade category displayed on the side of a County recycling truck.

2025 art contest

This year's 2025 contest theme is "Small Acts, Big Impact", encouraging students to illustrate how everyday choices can reduce waste at home and in the community.

Submissions for the 2025 Art Contest are open and will close on Nov. 30, 2025. Parents and guardians are encouraged to submit their child's artwork before the deadline for a chance to be featured next year. All contest participants will receive an invitation to the annual recognition ceremony to receive sustainable giveaways and meet other creative students. For more information, visit the Waste Reduction and Recycling Art Contest webpage.

Article Image Caption: The 2024 9th–12th grade winner stands proudly beside her artwork, now featured on a County recycling truck.
Posted: 11/24/2025, 8:30:43 PM