Trucks of Art

The Department of Sanitation, along with the Sanitation Foundation, is seeking artists to transform our 46,000-pound collection vehicles into roving works of art in Trucks of Art!

Trucks of Art is a zero-waste challenge: Artists will be using no-longer-wanted household paints, keeping them from going to waste in landfill.

This year's program focuses on keeping New York City clean. Priority will be given to proposals that celebrate keeping NYC clean, sustainability, and the DSNY workforce. Selected artists will be paid a stipend of up to $1,500 by the Sanitation Foundation.

Each truck boasts nearly 400 square feet of "canvas" and artists may leverage the truck's sides, front and back in their works.

This is the Department's third Trucks of Art program. See images below of the 2019 and 2022 Trucks of Art.

The Department is asking residents to support this initiative by dropping off their unwanted paints (cans, sprays, tubes) at the Department’s Special Waste Drop-off Locations. Artists will select the paints they’ll need, and the rest will be recycled or properly disposed.

Tips for Artists

• Big, Bold and Easy to Read - Truck art needs to read from a distance and in motion. Limit the amount of text and shapes to help the public read your message quickly. 
• Work with Variable Paints - Artists will be working with donated or recycled paints of many types and colors. Designs should be simple to recreate with any type of paint available. 
• Plan for the Canvas Size - Artists will be painting nearly 400 square feet of surface on a collection truck, including the truck body and cab (optional). 
• Time Is Limited - Artists will have a maximum of 5 working days to complete all painting. Keep the design simple and achievable.
• Durable and Outdoor-Ready - The painted trucks will hit the streets after the reveal and be used to collect trash, recycling, or compost, year-round in all weather conditions.  Bold, strong designs with few tiny details last longer.
  

How to Apply

Download the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for program details and design templates.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Submit Application

Past Winners

See images of our Trucks of Art winners and their painted trucks from 2019 and 2022.