Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Don’t Trash Arizona Litterbag contest?
   Don’t Trash Arizona is a litter prevention and education program conducted jointly by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to address the negative impacts of freeway litter in Maricopa County. Litter is not only ugly, it impacts our environment, our economy and our health. As part of the program, our goal is to engage high-school students in the issue of litter by tapping into their creativity. We are asking students to participate in a contest to redesign our litter bags for a special limited edition.
2. When will the contest occur?
   Budding artists and designers can upload their litterbag designs beginning on September 15, 2011, through October 21, 2011. Representatives from MAG will select final designs to be featured on the Don’t Trash Arizona website so members of the public may vote on their favorite. The winner will be announced on November 17, 2011.
3. Who can enter the Don’t Trash Arizona Litterbag Contest?
   The Don’t Trash Arizona Litterbag Contest is open to Maricopa County high school students ages 15-18. To enter students must have proof of enrollment with student identification.
4. How can you enter into the Don’t Trash Arizona Litterbag Contest?
   To enter into the Don’t Trash Arizona Litterbag Contest, your original design must be in .JPEG or .PDF format and scanned or uploaded to the Don’t Trash Arizona website at www.DontTrashAz.com.  Files can be no larger than 2MB and must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on October 21, 2011 to be eligible. Please see the Rules and Entry Requirements for more detailed information.
5. How will the winner be selected?
   Winners will be selected through a combination of public votes on the Don’t Trash Arizona website and scoring by a judging panel designated by MAG. On November 4, 2011, the public can begin voting for their favorite design. Voting will be closed at 11:59 p.m. on November 10, 2011, with the winner and final design announced on November 17, 2011.
6. Who is on the judging panel?
   There will be a panel of three judges, comprising representatives of MAG and ADOT.
7. Is there a prize?
   The Maricopa County high school with the winning design will be treated to a live radio remote at a designated date and time, along with food provided by the radio partner serving up to 100 people. The winning design also will be produced and promoted as a limited edition Don’t Trash Arizona litterbag. MAG will produce approximately 25,000 bags for public distribution.
8. What is the timeline for the contest?
   The timeline for the Don’t Trash Arizona Litterbag contest is as follows: 
   • September 15: Call for entry.
   • October 21: Entry submission closed.
   • November 4: Start of public voting.
   • November 11: Public voting closed.
   • November 17: Winning design announced.
9. How will a winner be announced?
   MAG will make three attempts to contact the winner via phone within 72 hours from the time the winner is designated. If we are unable to reach the finalist within the chosen time frame, said person will be disqualified. An alternate winner then will be selected based on the next highest score. 

   Additionally, the winner of the Don’t Trash Arizona Litterbag Contest will be announced via press release and made available to members of the news media for print and television interviews.

10. When will the litter bags be printed and available?
    The limited edition Don’t Trash Arizona litterbag designed by the winner will be printed and available on or around December, 2011. The public can order a free litter bag athttp://donttrashaz.com/highway-littering/sign-up-to-receive-a-free-litter-bag/. The litterbags are reusable and perfect for keeping trash off of Arizona freeways and roadways.