Upcycling Design Challenge

The Upcycling Design Challenge is on hiatus for 2019 and will return in 2020. Learn more about upcycling and previous years’ Challenges below.

Turn Trash into Treasure!

Upcycling involves taking waste material that would otherwise end up in our landfills and turning it into something valuable. Couch cushions transformed into a cozy sweater? An old bicycle tire becomes a funky clock? The options are limited by your own creativity! Take the challenge and create something amazing.

What is the purpose of the Upcycling Design Challenge?

The amount of waste thrown away each day is staggering. We are overusing our resources and filling up our landfills at an incredible rate. The Upcycling Design Challenge aims to remind people that, with a little creativity, what was old can be new again — perhaps even better than it once was!

Upcycling submissions from residents and budding artists, aged 10 and older, showcase local talent and bring the community out for an enjoyable evening together.

How do I enter?

When the contest returns, an entry form, contest rules and requirements, and additional details will be available on this page. Look for a contest announcement on our social media channels in early 2020.

What can I win?

Typically, a gift card is awarded to one winner in each of the following categories:

People’s Choice Award
Best in Show
Best Use of Challenge Material (old furniture and components)
Most Practical
Best Youth (ages 10-17)

How is the contest judged?

A diverse public panel of judges will judge the contest based on the following criteria:

Best in Show
creativity of material use (40%)
originality (20%)
percent found/recovered material (20%)
practicality (10%)
visual appeal (10%)

Best Use of Challenge Material (old furniture)
creativity of material use (40%)
originality (20%)
percent found/recovered material (20%)
practicality (10%)
visual appeal (10%)

Most Practical
Practicality (50%)
Creativity of material use (20%)
percent found/recovered material (20%)
Visual appeal (10%)

Best Youth (ages 10-17)
creativity of material use (40%)
originality (20%)
percent found/recovered material (20%)
practicality (10%)
visual appeal (10%)

People’s Choice Award

The People’s Choice Award will be presented to the individual whose entry receives the highest number of votes (one vote per person) at the Upcycling exhibit.

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Get inspired

Challenge yourself to create something new today. Need to spark some creativity? Check out past submissions from 2013 , 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017 and 2018 .