Division of Solid Waste Management

96 Sand Dock Road ¨ Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Phone: (845) 463-6020 ¨ Fax: (845) 462-6090

‘America Recycles Day Art Challenge’

Contest aims to educate young people about recycling in Dutchess and reimagine materials they may often discard

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced the County’s Division of Solid Waste Management has launched its first ever “America Recycles Day Art Challenge,” with the goal of teaching local students about recycling and encouraging them to reuse items that might otherwise be thrown away. The art challenge is open to every elementary-, middle- and high-school student in Dutchess County and encourages young people to learn more about recycling, and creatively express the importance of recycling in their community.

County Executive Serino said, “Recycling is such an important part of ensuring the health of our planet for future generations.  This art contest is a fun and creative way to teach kids about recycling and instill important lifelong habits that will help reduce waste. I encourage all students, art teachers and schools throughout Dutchess County to take part in this great program to help inspire our entire community to recycle more.”

To participate in Dutchess County’s “America Recycles Day Art Challenge,” students need to register by Oct. 18, 2024, with artwork submissions due by Nov. 8^th.   Artwork must be created out of used materials that can be recycled, such as paper, aluminum, plastic and glass, among others. The art can be two- or three-dimensional.  (Non-recyclable materials, such as glue and tape, can be used as needed for construction.) Contest registration and specific criteria for projects, as well as the contest’s rules and guidance, are available on the Division of Solid Waste Management’s webpage.

Dutchess County Recycling Educator Dani White said, “This is a fun way for young people to think about all the items in our everyday life that can and should be recycled or reused.  We are excited to see how they reimagine what might otherwise be considered ‘trash’ – such as empty bottles or packaging from a delivery – and create something new and beautiful.”

Artwork submissions can be created in school as part of class projects or can be submitted on an individual basis.  Submissions, including photos of the artwork must be submitted by November 8^thfor judging.  Artwork will be judged on three criteria: clarity, description and creativity. Submissions will be divided into age groups for judging.  A winner and runner-up will be selected for each of the following age groups:

Kindergarten to 2^nd Grade

• 3^rd Grade to 5^th Grade
• 6^th Grade to 8^th Grade
• 9^th Grade to 12^th Grade

Winners will be announced on America Recycles Day – Friday, Nov. 15 – and the winning pieces will be publicly displayed at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Educational Center at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park from Nov. 18 to Dec. 4, 2024. The winning pieces will also be displayed at County Executive Serino’s 2025 State of the County Address.

Local schools, homeschool groups and any other school-aged child interested in taking advantage of this fun opportunity, contact Dani White at solidwastemgmt@dutchessny.gov or by calling 845-463-6020.