AASHTO Journal - State DOTs Name Student Winners of ‘Trash’ Contests

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Missouri Department of Transportation recently announced the winners of their respective 2024 “trash” contests; poster-making and trash-can decoration campaigns involving elementary though high school students in order to help raise awareness regarding roadway litter removal needs.

[Above photo by MoDOT]

Oklahoma DOT said the 14 student winners of its 2024 Trash Poster Contest – drawn from a pool of 4,615 entries – will receive a monetary award, T-shirt, certificate of recognition, a poster board and a laminated copy of their poster. Additionally, they will be awarded sponsor promotional items and a state legislative citation of congratulations.

The teachers of the winning students will receive a monetary award for classroom supplies and a two-night voucher to an Oklahoma state park, courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, the agency added.

Finally, the winners of Oklahoma DOT’s 2024 contest will be showcased in a 2025 calendar, which will be released in December. Additionally, the 2025 Trash Poster calendars will be available for free, while supplies last, and expected to be distributed to state agencies, businesses, and schools across the state.

“Creating art can help students comprehend the effects of litter on the environment, while also inspiring others,” said Melody Johnson, Oklahoma DOT’s beautification coordinator, in a statement – noting that the agency spends $6 million a year ion roadside cleanup efforts.

“I continue to be grateful for the enthusiastic support provided by families, teachers and communities in promoting care and concern for Oklahoma’s cleanliness,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Missouri Department of Transportation selected winners of the 2024 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” trash-can-decorating contest.

MoDOT said in a statement that it sponsors this contest as part of Missouri’s “No MOre Trash!” campaign to raise awareness about and discourage littering.

The competition encourages students from kindergarten through 12th grade to join the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative art mediums.

The first-place winners from each of the four competition categories receive a $200 award, with all first-place winners then eligible for the $600 grand prize and trophy.