Brief Information
The Zero Waste and Sustainability Competition 2026 is now open for applications, offering students and schools worldwide an opportunity to raise environmental awareness, promote sustainability, and create innovative zero-waste solutions. Organized by the Ministry of National Education (Türkiye) in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation, the competition encourages recycling, upcycling, creativity, and climate-conscious thinking.
The International Zero Waste and Sustainability Competition 2026 is open both nationally in Türkiye and internationally across countries where Türkiye has educational counselors, attachés, or Turkish Maarif Foundation schools.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme Name: Zero Waste and Sustainability Competition 2026
- Organiser: Ministry of National Education (MoNE), Türkiye
- Partners: Zero Waste Foundation
- Location: Global + Türkiye (online submission)
- Categories: Upcycling-Utility Model, Short Film on Food Waste, From Waste to Art, Living School Gardens
- International Deadline: 23 January 2026
- Domestic Deadline (Türkiye): 2 February 2026
- Official Website:
https://www.meb.gov.tr/applications-for-the-2026 - Guidelines (PDF):
https://www.meb.gov.tr.pdf
Table of Contents
Overview
The Zero Waste and Sustainability Competition 2026 aims to build environmental consciousness among young people while inspiring innovative actions for global sustainability. The competition encourages students to reduce waste, recycle materials, engage in upcycling, and adopt eco-friendly habits that contribute to a greener future.
Through creative competitions such as utility model development, artistic transformation of waste, short films on food waste, and sustainable school garden design, the 2026 edition expands international environmental engagement and showcases young people’s talents in addressing planetary challenges.
The initiative also strengthens collaboration between schools, communities, and sustainability advocates. With participation extending globally, the Zero Waste and Sustainability Competition 2026 amplifies environmental awareness and mobilizes young generations to protect the planet.
Competition Categories
1. Upcycling – Utility Model (International)
Open to high school students, this category challenges participants to transform unused or waste materials into new, functional products. Students must demonstrate creativity, practicality, and sustainability impact in their designs.
2. Short Film on Food Waste (International)
Open to middle and high school students, this category focuses on reducing global food waste. Participants create short films using their preferred techniques to highlight responsible consumption and food sustainability.
3. From Waste to Art (National – Türkiye)
Open to all grade levels in Türkiye’s public and private schools. Students produce artistic works or decorative objects made from repurposed waste, emphasizing environmental creativity and cultural expression.
4. Living School Gardens (International)
Open to all international public and private schools. Schools submit posters showcasing sustainable living practices such as composting, vertical gardens, solar energy use, recycling models, and biodiversity-friendly school environments.
Eligibility
The Zero Waste and Sustainability Competition 2026 is open to:
- Students in Türkiye (national categories)
- Students and schools abroad with MoNE education attachés or Turkish Maarif Foundation schools
- Middle & high school students (for international categories)
- All grade levels within Türkiye for national categories
- International schools participating in Living School Gardens
No citizenship or nationality restrictions apply for international applicants.
Application Details
Deadlines
- International Applications: 23 January 2026
- Domestic Applications (Türkiye): 2 February 2026
Submission Process
- Review the official guidelines (PDF).
- Prepare project materials according to the category requirements.
- Submit your application through your school’s designated pathway.
- Projects will be evaluated at school → district → provincial → national → international stages.
Awards & Recognition
- Students who place in each category will receive prizes.
- Winning schools in the Living School Gardens category will receive an official Environmental Certificate.
The multi-stage evaluation process ensures recognition of outstanding projects and encourages environmental stewardship at all levels.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The international categories are open to students and schools abroad that are affiliated with MoNE through educational attachés or Maarif schools.
Do submissions have to be in Turkish?
Guidelines should be reviewed for language requirements; international submissions may allow flexibility.
Can schools submit multiple projects?
Schools may submit projects according to category rules set in the official guideline document.
What materials are allowed in upcycling or art categories?
Any waste or unused materials may be used, provided they follow safety rules and originality standards outlined in the competition guidelines.
Official Links
📘 Competition Guidelines (PDF):
https://www.meb.gov.tr.pdf
🌍 Official Announcement:
https://www.meb.gov.tr
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