City of Tuscaloosa Environmental Services Launches Recycled Art Contest

The City of Tuscaloosa's Environmental Services Department is inviting community members of all ages to turn everyday waste and recyclable materials into original works of art through its first Recycled Art Contest.

The competition encourages participants to rethink what they throw away by transforming recycled, reused or repurposed materials into original artwork. Environmental Services aims to raise environmental awareness, inspire creative reuse and show how everyday materials can be given a second life instead of being sent to the landfill.

Artists are encouraged to incorporate materials such as cardboard, plastics, paper, metal, glass and other clean discarded items into their creations. The primary materials used in each piece should be recycled, reused or repurposed.

Recycled glass mulch from Environmental Services is available for participants to incorporate into their artwork. Those interested may request up to five gallons of recycled glass here. Glass mulch will be available for pickup at Tuscaloosa's Environmental Services Department (3440 Reese Phifer Avenue). Participants must bring their own container.

The contest is open to all ages and will include two divisions: 17 and younger and 18 and older.

Participants must submit their artwork through the City's digital entry form by October 1. Artists will be asked to provide information about their creation, recycled materials used, and photos of the completed artwork.

Winners will be notified October 2 and will receive a pair of weekend passes to the 2026 Kentuck Festival of the Arts, taking place October 17-18, a coupon for a free t-shirt and a chance for artwork to be displayed at the festival.

Contest guidelines and submission is available here.