Young Artists and Poets Honored for Promoting Environmental Stewardship News General, News Mayor Office, News Parks and Recreation City of Tampa Solid Waste Celebrates 3Rs Art[...]

In honor of Earth Day, the City of Tampa's Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management will celebrate the winners of the 2026 3R's Art & Poetry contest.

This year celebrates the 21st year of the youth contest.

Each year, local students and members of the MacDonald Training Center submit their artwork or poetry for a chance to be showcased for a year on recycling collection trucks or displayed inside the Bob Buckhorn River Center, located within Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.

The contest is an outreach education program to promote environmental stewardship through the importance of the 3R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Young artists and writers are encouraged to convey this message in a fun and creative way.

"Involving our young people in our waste reduction efforts is critical as we work to Transform Tampa's Tomorrow," said Mayor Jane Castor. "The many talented participants of the 3R's contest amaze us every year with their creativity and we consider it a privilege to be able to showcase it and share it with the community."

The winning artwork and poetry are within several categories including Elementary, Middle, High School, and the MacDonald Training Center. All winning artwork and poetry were determined by online public voting.

For additional information on the 3R's Art & Poetry Contest visit our website.