Student artists have a new canvas where they can express their creativity this month: GW’s recycling trucks.

The University is holding a contest to find a new design for recycling trucks on campus, seeking images that show the school’s pledges to environmental initiatives.

“President (Steven) Knapp’s commitment to sustainability has set the framework for thinking creatively about how to raise awareness of GW’s existing recycling efforts,” said Casey Pierzchala, a sustainability project assistant.

The contest, which ends Oct. 18, is intended to encourage students to think about recycling, Pierzchala said. She said the idea of a recycling truck design contest will likely help students become conscious of promoting a greener campus and helping the community.

“GW community members will further be encouraged to recycle as they see our new recycling truck, complete with the winning design, driving around campus picking up recyclables,” Pierzchala said.

Freshman Ben Hartman said he already recycles but that the contest might inspire other students to begin thinking green.

“I have noticed GW’s effort to encourage students to recycle,” Hartman said, adding that it should encourage a good number of his peers in Thurston Hall to recycle.

Sophomore Adrienne Lerner does not recycle and said most people she knows do not recycle either.

“I think GW could do a better job of making where and when to leave recyclables more clear in the dorms,” she said. “The only place on campus I really recycle is in the library, where they have the marked bins.”

The University will select the winning design in November.