Zero Waste Challenge 2026

Official Rules

1. Who Can Join

Open worldwide to anyone 18 years or older at the time of entry
Not eligible:
Employees, contractors, or representatives of Upcyclers
Affiliates, sponsors, and their immediate family members
Void where prohibited by law

2. Challenge Dates

Start: April 15, 2026 — 12:00 a.m. PST
End: June 26, 2026 — 11:59 p.m. PST

During this period: - Participants can submit entries - Participants can collect likes on their entries

3. How to Enter

You can enter in two ways:

Option 1: List a Product (U.S. Only)

List your upcycled item on Upcyclers.com
Include:
Photos or a short video (max 20 seconds)
Description of your process
Must:
Be submitted during the challenge period
Include hashtag #zerowaste

Option 2: Post a Creation (Showcase Only)

Post on the community section of Upcyclers.com
Include:
Image or short video (max 20 seconds)
Must:
Be submitted during the challenge period
Include hashtag #zerowaste

Important Notes

Only new entries qualify
Content posted before April 15, 2026 does NOT qualify
Old entries must be resubmitted with #zerowaste
No purchase is required to enter or win

4. Entry Guidelines

To qualify, your entry must: - Be submitted during the challenge period

- Include: - Clear photos or video (20 seconds or less)

- Short description of process or materials

- Hashtag #zerowaste

- Be original work

- Be made primarily from reused materials such as: - Secondhand clothing

- Scraps

- Deadstock

- Remnants

- Discarded items

- Reflect a zero waste mindset

Allowed: - Small amounts of new materials such as thread, glue, or buttons

Not Allowed: - Brand logos or designer labels without permission

- Copyrighted images without legal rights

5. How Winners Are Chosen

Round 1: Community Voting

Top 5 most-liked entries advance
Deadline: June 26, 2026 — 11:59 p.m. PST
Only likes during the challenge period count
Likes from old posts do not carry over
Only one entry per person can advance

Round 2: Judges’ Review

Criteria: - Creativity and Originality: 40% - Craftsmanship and Quality: 30% - Sustainability Impact: 20% - Storytelling: 10%

Tie-breaker: - Higher Creativity and Originality score wins

6. Prize

One Grand Prize winner
$500 USD

Payment: - Paid via PayPal or bank transfer within 14 days

Notes: - International winners are responsible for fees, conversion, and taxes

- Prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged

7. Rights to Your Work

You retain ownership of your design

By entering, you grant Upcyclers: - A non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and share your entry

For: - The challenge

- Platform promotion

- Future sustainability campaigns

You confirm: - Your work is original

- It does not infringe on others’ rights

8. Winner Announcement

June 30, 2026 — 6:00 p.m. PST

Announced on: - Upcyclers.com

- Official social channels

Notes: - Winners may be contacted within 7 days

- If no response, an alternate winner may be selected

9. Privacy

Information used only to:
Run the challenge
Contact winners
Share updates (if opted in)
Data handled per Upcyclers Privacy Policy

10. General Conditions

Upcyclers may: - Cancel, pause, or modify the challenge due to: - Technical issues

- Fraud

- Rule violations

- Other issues affecting fairness

Disqualification: - Any attempt to manipulate likes, engagement, or voting

All decisions are final

11. Governing Law

Governed by the laws of California, USA
Disputes handled in San Francisco County

Organizer: Upcyclers.com

San Francisco, California, USA