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We're putting on a Trashion Show!
2026 Trashion Competition applications open on January 1
The Solid Waste Services Trashion Show is part of the annual City of Raleigh Environmental Awards ceremony, showcasing garments and accessories crafted from recycled materials. High school students, college students, adults, and aspiring professional designers are encouraged to submit their recycling-inspired creations for a cash prize of $500.
The Trashion Design Competition provides an opportunity to showcase unique creations while promoting the utility of recycled materials and the importance of reuse.
Guidelines
- Create a garment using at least 75% of recyclable materials accepted by the City of Raleigh’s recycling program, like aluminum cans, plastic bottles, paper, cardboard, etc. Search for recyclable materials using the Waste Wizard in the Raleigh Reuse App.
- Complete the online entry form with a description of your creation, along with photos or video.
- Entries are judged on originality, functionality, and quality of construction
Eligibility Requirements
The Trashion contest is open to residents of Raleigh and the utility service areas, ages 10 and older, and high school students throughout the Wake County Public School System. The service areas include Garner, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon. Applicants must complete an online entry form with a written description of the creation, photographs, or a video. Videos submitted must tell the story behind the work and be less than two minutes.
Judging
Categories:
- Youth - ages 10 - 18
- College - 17 and up, enrolled in a two- or four-year institution
- Adult - 18 and up, not a full-time student
Categories will be judged separately. Up to three prizes will be awarded in each category. Entries will be judged on originality, functionality, and quality of construction. Ideas and creations submitted for entry must be the original work of the submitting entrant(s). The Environmental Advisory Board will evaluate each entry, and the top nominees will be asked to model their creations at the Environmental Awards celebration in April.
If there are any questions about what can be recycled in the City of Raleigh, please visit the Raleigh Reuse App.
Applications close on February 22, 2026.