ReMA, Jason Learning announce 2024-25 Youth Recycling Contest

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), Washington, and Jason Learning, a nonprofit organization that provides curriculum and learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for K-12 students and high-quality professional development for teachers, have launched their 2024-2025 Youth Recycling Contest, which is designed to build awareness around the value and benefits of the recycled materials industry.

The 2024-25 theme is “Sustainable, Resilient, Essential” and encourages students to create an advertisement in the form of a poster/infographic or a one-minute video that highlights these three key features of the recycled materials industry. ReMa notes that recycling represents these key features:  

• Recycling is sustainable as it helps protect our planet by reducing waste and conserving resources. Students are invited to explore how recycling practices contribute to a sustainable future.
• The recycled materials is resilient because the industry strengthens our economy by providing cost-effective, high-quality materials. Entries should illustrate how recycling fosters economic resilience.
• Recycling is essential because it ensures the availability of necessary materials for everyday life, improving our quality of life. Participants will highlight the importance of recycling in maintaining essential resources.

The contest is open to all students living in the U.S. and Canada enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2024-25 school year. Participation is free, and students can enter the contest as individuals or as a team of two. All entries must be submitted by Dec. 13. Contest details and submission guidelines are available on the contest website.

“ReMA is proud to again be inspiring future recycling leaders through the 2024-2025 Youth Recycling Contest, together with our partners at JASON Learning,” ReMA President Robin Wiener says. “We invite all teachers to integrate this contest into their classrooms, so their students can engage STEM and communications skills while learning about a sustainable industry where they can one day build a career.”

The winners will be invited to attend the 2025 ReMA Convention and Exposition in San Diego, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their work and engage with industry professionals. Each winning student can bring along one teacher and one parent or guardian. This unique opportunity allows for a deeper connection to the recycled materials industry and offers a chance to celebrate their achievements in a vibrant and supportive setting, ReMA says.

To assist participants, ReMA and Jason Learning will host two informative webinars:

1. Oct. 1, Introduction to the Contest and Principles of Recycling; and
2. Oct. 30, Tips and Guidance for Creating Impactful Advertisements.

Last year’s contest challenged participants to improve an existing consumer product using Design for Recycling principles. More than 285 submissions were received from more than 550 students nationwide. Last year’s winning entries can be viewed at on the Jason website.