Litter Education UpCycled Contest

We are encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and waste reduction through reuse by challenging middle school students to create an upcycled invention that serves a purpose at school, at home, or in the classroom. Teachers, club sponsors, and other group leaders are encouraged to incorporate this project into their lessons or programming as a hands-on way to explore sustainability and real-world environmental issues. Entries must include a collaborative class essay that addresses the environmental impact of landfills, the benefits of reuse, and local landfill practices with suggestions for more sustainable improvements. Students should also explain how their invention has been or will be used. Photos of submissions will be posted online for public voting, with the top three finalists determined by vote count; the overall winner will be selected based on the essay. 

Finalists will be invited to the Student Environmental Champions Awards in March 2026!

2025-2026 UpCycled Timeline

Registration  

August 18–September 19, 2025

Submission  

September 22–October 31, 2025

Public Online Vote

Late October 

Finalists Announced

Mid-November 

Winner Announced and Honored

March 2026 at the 
Student Environmental Champions Awards 

2024 UpCycled Winner

Ms. Watts’ 8th Grade Class at Rattan Public Schools with their Recycled Blanket and Pillow project wove together plastic bags and drove home the message in their essay to, "recycle, for mine, yours, and our future children’s sake."

To see a list of Frequently Asked Questions for all Litter Education contests please click here.

If you have any further questions regarding the UpCycled contest, please call (405) 286-9141 or email education@keepok.org.