Bartow, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2026) – What happens to the liquid produced as waste breaks down in a landfill? Polk County middle school students were challenged to answer that question—not with a report or presentation, but through art.
Polk County Government’s Solid Waste Division, in partnership with Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. and Polk County Public Schools, unveiled the winning artwork from the second annual Middle School Recycling Art Contest. The students’ colorful interpretations of the leachate treatment process are now on display on the retention wall surrounding the Solid Waste Division’s leachate storage tanks.
The contest challenged students to illustrate the journey of leachate, a byproduct of solid waste disposal, from its creation and collection to its treatment through the county’s constructed wetlands system. Students submitted artwork in four categories representing stages of the process: garbage collection, leachate creation, leachate collection and the constructed wetlands system.
More than 100 entries were submitted by students from nine schools. Sixteen finalists—four in each category—were selected, with one winning design chosen from each category for display on the retention wall.
The four winning artists are Christian Dalouche of Boone Middle School for “The Extra Beautiful Dump Truck”; Dericson Collazo of Jewett Middle Academy for “Behind the Scenes of a Leachate Process”; Isabel Parra Gidding of Union Academy for “Wonder”; and Angelina Ritter of Boone Middle School for “Wetlands are Beautiful.”
Four runners-up were also recognized during the unveiling ceremony.
Solid Waste Division Director Brian Cogswell recognized the students and reflected on the lasting impact their artwork will have at the facility.
“We are not only proud to have this beautiful artwork here, but we also look forward to continuing this tradition in future years,” Cogswell said.
For Keep Polk County Beautiful Executive Director Katie Hayes, the contest is an opportunity to connect environmental education with creativity while encouraging students to take an active role in caring for their community.
“We’ve been inspired and reminded of why we do what we do,” Hayes said. “Our mission is not just about keeping our community clean and beautiful; it’s about educating, inspiring and empowering the next generation to care for the place they call home.”
Polk County Commissioner Becky Troutman, County Manager Bill Beasley and Deputy County Manager John Bohde attended the unveiling. They were joined by Keep Polk County Beautiful board members, Polk County Public School representatives, student artists and their families.
The annual contest combines environmental education with creative expression, giving students an opportunity to learn how Polk County manages leachate while transforming what they learn into art. Through the partnership, the Solid Waste Division, Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. and Polk County Public Schools continue to encourage environmental stewardship and inspire the next generation to help care for their community.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS
