The City of Santa Clarita invites community members to transform everyday outside recycling carts into imaginative art pieces for the 2016 Earth Arbor Day cArt aRt Competition.

Residents must complete an entry form by April 1 to receive their free recycling cart from Waste Management to participate in the contest.

Residents must provide all materials used in the art project, with the exception of the recycling bin which can be painted or left natural. No containers that once held hazardous waste products may be used in the competition, including used containers of paint, oil pesticides, cleaning products and chemicals.

“This friendly contest is an excellent way to celebrate the importance of sustainability through art and creativity,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.

Participants will present their carts between 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the City’s Earth Arbor Day event on Saturday, April 16, 2016 in Central Park. The carts will be on display at the Environmental Services booth at the event from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The winners of the contest will be announced the week following the festival, and receive cash prizes. Carts will be judged by the Arts and Events and Environmental Services City staff in the following categories: Grand Prize for $200, Most Creative for $100, Best Local Flair for $100 and Best Green Theme for $100. Attendees will vote for the category of Fan Favorite for $50.

For additional information about the cArt aRT Contest, including the steps necessary for contest entry, visit GreenSantaClarita.com or contact Laura Jardine with the City of Santa Clarita’s Environmental Services Division at (661) 255-4376 or ljardine@santa-clarita.com.