NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASHBURN, VA (September 9, 2025)—JASON Learning and the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) are excited to launch the nationwide 2025–26 Youth Recycling Contest, which will empower 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 2025 contest theme, “Recycling Batteries: Hidden Risk, Uncovered Reward,” challenges students to identify a recycled commodity and research the dangers batteries pose to recycling processes. Participants will then develop a Public Service Announcement (PSA) video or poster to educate their communities on how individuals can safely prepare recyclables for processing and support recycling efforts.
The 2024 contest received an inspiring 456 submissions from 618 students, demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment of youth to environmental stewardship. Explore the complete list of winners, finalists, and honorable mentions from the 2024–25 ReMA/JASON Youth Recycling Contest at: https://jason.org/2024-rema-jason-recycling-contest/.
“ReMA is proud to again be inspiring future recycling leaders through this year’s Youth Recycling Contest,” said ReMA President Robin Wiener. “This year’s topic is so important to not only the recycled materials industry but for public health and safety in every community. We invite all teachers to integrate this contest into their classrooms and engage their students with a real-world sustainability challenge.”
—Robin Wiener, President, Recycled Materials Association (ReMA)
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 special 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, a school banner, a gift card for the student and their educator of $250, and an unforgettable trip to Las Vegas, NV, in April for the ReMA 2026 Convention & Exposition. The grand prize-winning student can bring along one teacher and one parent or guardian to share in this exciting experience.
“The Youth Recycling Contest continues to be a powerful platform where students turn curiosity into action. This year’s focus on battery recycling highlights an urgent environmental challenge, and we’re proud to partner with ReMA to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders who will help protect our planet.”
—Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning
To assist participants, ReMA and JASON Learning will host two informative webinars:
Thursday, October 2, 2025: 6:30 pm ET: Register here
Tuesday, November 4, 2025: 4:00 pm ET: Register here
The contest is open to all students living in the United States and Canada enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2024-25 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 12, 2025, at 11:59pm ET.
Students, educators, and community members can learn more about the contest, guidelines, and submission deadlines by visiting:
https://jason.org/2025-rema-jason-recycling-contest/.
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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/.
JASON Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.
