Tuscaloosa Launches First Recycled Art Contest

The City of Tuscaloosa is encouraging residents to turn trash into creative works of art through a new community-wide competition.

Tuscaloosa’s Environmental Services Department has launched its first Recycled Art Contest, inviting participants of all ages to create original artwork using recycled, reused or repurposed materials.

The contest is designed to encourage creative reuse while raising awareness about how everyday materials can be given a second life instead of being sent to a landfill.

Participants can use materials including cardboard, plastic, paper, metal, glass and other clean discarded items. The primary materials used in each entry must be recycled, reused or repurposed.

Environmental Services is also offering up to five gallons of recycled glass mulch for participants who want to incorporate it into their artwork by clicking here. The material can be picked up at the Environmental Services Department at 3440 Reese Phifer Avenue, with participants required to bring their own containers.

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The competition 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 provide photos of their finished artwork along with information about the piece and materials used.

Winners will be notified Oct. 2 and receive two weekend passes to the 2026 Kentuck Festival of the Arts, a free T-shirt coupon and an opportunity to have their artwork displayed during the Oct. 17-18 festival. Contest guidelines can be found here.