Council calls on eco-artists to help spruce up recycling lorries
15 September 2026
Council is calling on local young artists to get creative and help spread an important environmental message as part of an exciting new recycling-themed art competition.
Derry City and Strabane District Council is calling on local young artists to get creative and help spread an important environmental message as part of an exciting new recycling-themed art competition.
Primary 4 to Primary 7 pupils across the City and District are being invited to design artwork that could feature on the side of Council recycling lorries, showcasing the importance of recycling and encouraging positive environmental habits.
Pupils are being asked to create a design that will help raise awareness and change behaviour to benefit the local environment. The winning artwork will be professionally displayed on Council's recycling lorries, bringing the young designer's environmental message to life as it passes thousands of homes every week.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the benefits of recycling food and garden waste through the brown bin service. Food and garden waste collected in brown bins is transformed into high-quality compost which is then used in parks, open spaces and schools across the district.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Ui Niallais, encouraged young people to get involved and showcase their creativity.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to make a real difference while expressing their creativity," she explained. "We have so many talented young artists, and I would encourage Primary 4 to Primary 7 pupils to get involved and help us spread an important environmental message.
"The winning design will help to promote positive recycling habits and encourage everyone to think more carefully about what goes into their bins. I look forward to seeing the imaginative ideas and colourful creations that our young people come up with and to paying a special visit to the winning school.
"Protecting our environment is a responsibility we all share and it is inspiring to see young people leading the way. By highlighting the importance of using the brown bin correctly, this competition will help raise awareness of how simple actions at home can have a positive impact on our local environment and contribute to a more sustainable future."
Schools can submit up to ten entries, with designs created using pencils, paints, crayons or any other artistic medium. The competition is open to all Primary 4 to Primary 7 pupils across the Derry and Strabane Council area and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded to the top entries, as well as a prize for school. The winning school will receive a visit from the newly designed lorry and crew for a special demo and a photograph with the Mayor.
Entries close on Friday, October 23rd. For full competition details, entry information and to download a design template, visit www.derrystrabane.com/recycling