TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa is challenging residents to turn items destined for the trash or recycling bin into works of art as part of a new community contest.
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The city's Environmental Services Department announced its first Recycled Art Contest, an all-ages competition aimed at encouraging creative reuse while raising awareness about waste and recycling.
Participants are asked to create original artwork primarily from recycled, reused or repurposed materials.
Organizers say suggested materials include cardboard, plastics, paper, metal, glass and other clean discarded items.
City officials said the goal is to encourage residents to rethink what they throw away and demonstrate how everyday materials can be given a second life instead of being sent to a landfill.
Environmental Services is also making recycled glass mulch available to artists interested in incorporating it into their entries.
Participants may request up to five gallons, which can be picked up at the Environmental Services Department, 3440 Reese Phifer Avenue.
Those picking up glass mulch must bring their own container.
The contest will feature two age divisions: participants 17 and younger and those 18 and older.
Entries must be submitted through the city's digital entry form by Oct. 1.
Participants will be asked to provide information about their artwork, identify the recycled materials used and submit photos of the completed piece.
Winners are expected to be notified Oct. 2 and will receive a pair of weekend passes to the 2026 Kentuck Festival of the Arts, scheduled for Oct. 17-18.
Winners will also receive a coupon for a free T-shirt and an opportunity to have their artwork displayed at the festival.
The city says participants must submit their artwork through a digital entry form.
Contest guidelines can be viewed here.
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