Art for a Cleaner Future: ODOT extends deadline for Statewide Trash Poster Contest through Feb. 13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #26-002
Art for a Cleaner Future: ODOT extends deadline for Statewide Trash Poster Contest through Feb. 13
Attention, young artists of Oklahoma! Submissions for ODOT’s statewide Trash Poster Contest were originally due Jan. 31, but the contest has been extended through February 13. Now is the perfect time to submit artwork for the 2027 Trash Poster Calendar! Don’t miss your chance to put your creativity to work for a cleaner, litter-free future.
Each year, ODOT invites budding artists across the state to participate in a statewide Trash Poster Contest, where original artwork can be featured in the Oklahoma Trash Poster Calendar. This annual contest highlights student artwork that promotes litter reduction, especially along Oklahoma’s highways. This contest offers opportunities for learning, creativity and artistic inspiration that spread the important message of keeping Oklahoma’s land grand.
Students are encouraged to create imaginative posters that emphasize the importance of keeping Oklahoma clean and litter-free. The Trash Poster Contest emboldens students to learn about Oklahoma’s litter challenges while exploring solutions through art and classroom activities. Students may enter one of four grade categories: K–2nd, 3rd–5th, 6th–8th and 9th–12th.
Fourteen statewide winners will receive cash prizes, including:
- $300 for first place
- $300 for the State Promotional Poster of the Year
- $200 for second place
- $200 for the Contest Entry Form Poster
- $150 for third place
Prizes are awarded in each of the four grade divisions. In addition, winning students, along with their families, teachers and/or sponsors will be honored at a special awards celebration in April. Winners will also be recognized on the floor of the Oklahoma State Senate and House of Representatives at the State Capitol.
Artwork must be original and reflect positive messages related to litter prevention. Preferred poster sizes are 12 x 18 inches or 11 x 17 inches, horizontal orientation and using paper or poster board. Please do not include syndicated characters, computer-generated images or materials that could damage scanning equipment.
Last year, more than 4,600 students participated in this statewide initiative. The contest is made possible through partnerships with organizations committed to keeping Oklahoma beautiful, including ODOT, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department–Oklahoma State Parks, Cherokee Nation, OG&E, Oklahoma’s Credit Union, OMES – Application Development & Deployment, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, Ardmore Beautification Council, Oklahoma Rural Water Association, Oklahoma City Beautiful, Solid Waste Institute of Northeast Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
The submission deadline has been extended to February 13, 2026. Hand-delivered entries should be submitted to their respective local ODOT District offices or can be dropped off at the ODOT Central Office. All mailed posters must be sent to the ODOT Central Office post-dated by February 13: ATTN: Community Engagement, 200 NE 21ST ST, OKC, OK 73105
Please package mailed posters carefully and note that any entries mailed to district offices instead of the Central Office may be delayed or risk damage.
For more information, contact the ODOT Community Engagement Office at 405-521-6000, or download an entry form from the ODOT website at www.odot.org/tpc. Let your creativity shine and help make Oklahoma a cleaner, greener place for everyone.
Trash Poster Contest winning art featured in the calendar for June 2026 by Kay Co. kindergartner Pearl P.
