The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced an extension for the submission deadline of its annual Statewide Trash Poster Contest. Originally set for January 31, the new deadline is February 13, 2026. The contest gives students across Oklahoma the opportunity to have their artwork featured in the 2027 Trash Poster Calendar, promoting litter prevention and environmental awareness.
Each year, ODOT invites students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to create posters that highlight the importance of keeping Oklahoma clean and free of litter. Students can enter in one of four grade categories: K–2nd, 3rd–5th, 6th–8th, and 9th–12th. Fourteen statewide winners will be selected to receive cash prizes ranging from $150 to $300 in each division. Winners will also be honored at a special awards event in April and recognized on the floor of both chambers at the State Capitol.
“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,” according to ODOT.
To participate, students must submit original artwork with positive messages about litter prevention using paper or poster board sized either 12 x 18 inches or 11 x 17 inches in horizontal orientation. Submissions should avoid syndicated characters or computer-generated images.
Last year, more than 4,600 students participated in this initiative. The contest is supported by several organizations committed to keeping Oklahoma beautiful, including ODOT itself along with entities such as the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, Cherokee Nation, OG&E, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, and others.
Entries can be hand-delivered to local ODOT District offices or dropped off at the Central Office in Oklahoma City. Mailed entries must be postmarked by February 13 and sent directly to ODOT’s Community Engagement office.
For further details or entry forms, participants can contact ODOT at 405-521-6000 or visit www.odot.org/tpc.
ODOT maintains and enhances transportation infrastructure throughout Oklahoma—including highways, bridges, railways, waterways and public transit—while encouraging public involvement in decision-making processes related to state transportation planning (https://limpar.locallabs.com/organizations/7bac8fb0-5cd7-4bd4-881c-f77733149bd5;https://oklahoma.gov/odot.html). The department operates across all counties providing resources for contractors as well as tools for project planning and traffic data management (https://oklahoma.gov/odot.html).
“Let your creativity shine and help make Oklahoma a cleaner, greener place for everyone,” encourages ODOT.
