Initial screening
Entrants submit a short, clear description of the recycling concept. It should identify the problem, explain the proposed solution and outline its expected environmental, commercial and social value.
Australia · New Zealand · China
Waste is only
the beginning.
The first A & Z Sino International Recycling Competition invites individuals and businesses to transform discarded materials into environmental, commercial and social value.
Explore the competition rules ↘Prize pool
$160,0001st $100,0002nd $50,0003rd $10,00001 / PURPOSE
Circular economy
is the way forward.
We are looking for practical imagination: projects that recycle, reuse, reclaim or rehabilitate—and prove that today’s problem can become tomorrow’s resource.
02 / COMPETITION RULES
A clear, two-stage process.
Finalist presentation
Selected finalists develop and present their concept to the international judging panel. Presentations should demonstrate how the idea can be implemented and why its claimed benefits are achievable.
Who may enter
The competition is open to individuals and businesses in Australia, New Zealand and China. Entries must be the entrant’s own work and may be submitted only within the published entry period.
How decisions are made
Entries will be considered against all six judging criteria. The judging panel’s decisions at the screening, finalist and award stages are final.
03 / JUDGING CRITERIA
Six measures of
an idea that matters.
Projects are considered as complete opportunities—not simply technical concepts.
Originality
A genuinely original approach—not simply a copy of an existing solution.
Ground-breaking thinking
A bold idea capable of changing how a material, product or waste stream is handled.
Environmental impact
Clear, significant and positive benefits for resources, ecosystems or emissions.
Commercial value
A credible pathway from concept to a financially sustainable, scalable solution.
Social value
Meaningful benefits for communities, workers, consumers or future generations.
Opportunity from a problem
The ability to turn a recognised problem into a practical, realisable opportunity.
04 / KEY DATES
From first idea
to final stage.
Entries open
Submit a short description of your recycling concept.
Entries close
Initial submissions must be received by the closing date.
Screening results
Selected entrants are invited to become finalists.
Finalists announced
The final presentation programme is confirmed.
Presentation & awards
Finalists present their projects and the winners are celebrated.
RECYCLING · REUSING · RECLAIMING · REHABILITATING