2022 Rethink Recycling Sculpture Competition

2022 America Recycles Day
State "Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Competition
Hosted by Maryland Department of the Environment

On Friday, November 18th, 2022, two Southern Garrett County High School students joined 60 students from schools across the state to participate in the 21st Annual "Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Competition hosted by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in Baltimore

“Like every year, the quality of this year’s sculptures by our student artists from around the state is exceptional, “said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Horacio Tablada. “Our Most recent data shows that Maryland achieved an annual waste diversion rate of nearly 43 percent, 10 percentage points above the national average for states. This surpasses our voluntary 40 percent waste diversion goal for the state of Maryland for the eleventh straight year.”

A category first-place winner, who received Beats Fit Pro Earbuds, two passes to the National Aquarium, a $50 Amazon gift card and a crab mallet/seasoning gift set, was:

Workmanship: Miss Bayleigh Hawk, a Senior at Southern Garrett High School, for “The Hawk.” The extraordinary sculpture was made from aluminum cans, soda tabs, cardboard, a glass bottle, and marbles.

Miss Eliana Hudnall participated in the Sculpture Competition with an outstanding sculpture, “The Dragon Hoard.” Miss Hudnall received a $50 Amazon gift card and a crab mallet/seasoning gift set from MDE.

Since 2001, MDE has celebrated America Recycles Day by hosting the annual “Rethink Recycling” Sculpture Contest. High school students from across Maryland are invited to participate by creating sculptures made of recycled and reusable materials. The competition is just one way MDE educates and empowers the public to reuse and recycled materials that would have otherwise gone into landfills.

If you would like to compete in the 2023 State Competition or would like more information, please contact the Department of Solid Waste & Recycling at 301.334.7492, Kimberly Madigan, Recycling Coordinator.

Students are urged to begin on the sculpture projects as early as possible. All students enrolled in Garrett County Schools’ grades 9-12 may enter. This competition is held in celebration of America Recycles Day.