ReMA and JASON Learning Invite K-12 Students to Explore How Recycled Materials Build America

(September 24, 2026 – Washington, DC) —The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) and JASON Learning are excited to launch the 2026-27 Youth Recycling Contest, a national competition that empowers K-12 students across the country to become environmental leaders through research, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.

This annual contest raises awareness about sustainability by encouraging students to explore the impact of recycling on their communities and the planet. By connecting classrooms with industry partners, the contest fosters meaningful learning experiences that inspire lasting environmental action.

The 2026 contest theme, “America is Made with Recycled Materials,” challenges students to tell the story of a specific item, object, or landmark in their local community or state that is made with recycled materials. Participants will create a poster or video showing how recycled materials are essential to American infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation.

The 2025 contest received an inspiring 368 submissions from 487 students, demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment of youth to environmental stewardship. Explore the complete list of winners, finalists, and honorable mentions from the 2025-26 ReMA/JASON Youth Recycling Contest at: https://jason.org/2026-rema-jason-recycling-contest/.

“Recycling is more than what happens to a material at the end of its life. It is what makes the next generation of American products, infrastructure and innovation possible,” said Robin Wiener, President, ReMA. “We’re excited to challenge students to look at their own communities and discover how recycled materials are already helping build America. Their creativity and curiosity can help tell an important story about the essential role recycling plays in our economy and our future.”

Participants in the Youth Recycling Contest have the chance to earn recognition and rewards for their hard work and creativity. Those who receive an Honorable Mention will be awarded a special certificate celebrating their achievement. Finalists will receive a certificate, a banner to proudly display at their school, and a gift card of $100 for both the student and their educator. The Grand Prize Winner will earn a special certificate, banner, $250 gift card for the student and their educator, and a special event planned by ReMA and JASON at their school to celebrate their hard work with their families and teachers.

Dr. Eleanor Smalley, CEO and President of JASON Learning says, “This year, we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States by focusing on recycling across the country. We’re proud to partner with ReMA to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders who will help protect our planet.”

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

The contest is open to all students living in the United States and Canada enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2026-27 school year, and there is no cost to participate. Students can enter the contest as individuals or as a team of two individuals. All entries must be submitted by December 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.

Students, educators, and community members can learn more about the contest, guidelines, and submission deadlines by visiting: https://jason.org/2026-rema-jason-recycling-contest/ .

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About the Recycled Materials Association
The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) represents more than 1,700 companies in over 40 countries that transform end-of-life products into essential, high-quality raw materials the world relies on every day. Across metals, paper, plastics, glass, textiles, rubber, and electronics, ReMA members safely and efficiently transform end-of-life products into the building blocks that power manufacturing, strengthen and secure global supply chains, and protect natural resources. In the U.S. alone, ReMA members deliver $183 billion in economic activity each year and contribute 603,000 jobs in communities nationwide. Learn more at http://www.recycledmaterials.org.   

About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for PreK-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/