Bin there, made that - Councils' Regional Recycled Art Competition

Townsville City Council is encouraging local schools and the wider community to spark creativity and environmental awareness by taking part in the North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils' (NQROC) Regional Recycled Art Competition - vying to secure a coveted spot exhibiting their work at the MRF (Material Recovery Facility) and cementing their reputation as true litter legends.

The competition invites students, educators and community members of all ages to create artworks using recycled or repurposed materials, promoting waste reduction, recycling and creative reuse across Townsville, the Burdekin, and Hinchinbrook.

With competitors tapping into the themes of Sky, Earth and Sea, the competition challenges participants to reflect on the natural environment and the impact waste and recycling choices have on the places we treasure most.

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said the competition was a valuable opportunity for schools to combine creativity with important environmental lessons.

"This competition is a terrific way for schools to engage students in hands-on learning while reinforcing how everyday choices can make a real difference to our environment," Cr Dametto said.

"By turning discarded materials usually destined for landfill into art, students can explore sustainability in a creative way and help spread important messages about recycling and waste reduction."

Winning artworks will be showcased at Townsville's Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), where they will form part of a public display celebrating the innovation, creativity and sustainability efforts of communities across the region.

Inside the facility, a dedicated education space gives visitors an insight into how recycling works, understand what happens to recyclable materials after they are collected, and pick up practical tips they can apply at home and at school.

Councillor Dametto said showcasing student artwork in a real-world recycling facility helped connect learning with action.

"Seeing artwork displayed in a working recycling environment really brings the message home," Cr Dametto said.

"It shows young people their ideas matter and that sustainability is something we can all contribute to, whether at home, in the classroom or in the community.

"As local government leaders it's vital we're reducing what ends up in landfill over time and as our leaders of tomorrow, our region's students play a vital role in taking that message home and creating lasting change."

Townsville City Council encourages schools, community groups, and individuals across the city to get involved, use the competition as a classroom learning opportunity, and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

More information about how to enter the Regional Recycled Art Competition is available through the Regional Recycled Art Competition page of the Townsville City Council website.