Compost Contest

$0.00

PRIZES 

Blue (1st place), red (2nd place), and white (3rd place) ribbons will be awarded in the following category:

  • Best Compost

RULES

  1. All entries must be submitted in a reusable or recyclable easy-to-open container containing at least two cups of compost. 

  2. Individuals may not submit more than one entry. 

JUDGING CRITERIA 

  1. Consistency (40%)

    1. Compost is dark in color and original materials can no longer be distinguished. If there are larger clumps present, they easily break apart when squeezed.

  2. Smell (30%)

    1. Compost smells earthy, not sour or mildewy. 

  3. Moisture Level (30%)

    1. Compost is moist, not dry or soggy.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Register for the compost contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2026-contests by 11:00 pm on Friday, August 21. No walk-up registrations will be accepted.

  2. Bring your entry, accompanied with a removable label that includes your name, the contest category, and the name of the entry (see template), to the 4th Floor Conference Center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at 901 G St NW on Saturday, August 29 between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. 

PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To pick up your entry, you (or someone on your behalf) must pick it up between 4:00 and 5:00 pm on the same day as judging (Saturday, August 29) from Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Compost not picked up will be composted (ha!).

PRIZES 

Blue (1st place), red (2nd place), and white (3rd place) ribbons will be awarded in the following category:

  • Best Compost

RULES

  1. All entries must be submitted in a reusable or recyclable easy-to-open container containing at least two cups of compost. 

  2. Individuals may not submit more than one entry. 

JUDGING CRITERIA 

  1. Consistency (40%)

    1. Compost is dark in color and original materials can no longer be distinguished. If there are larger clumps present, they easily break apart when squeezed.

  2. Smell (30%)

    1. Compost smells earthy, not sour or mildewy. 

  3. Moisture Level (30%)

    1. Compost is moist, not dry or soggy.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Register for the compost contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2026-contests by 11:00 pm on Friday, August 21. No walk-up registrations will be accepted.

  2. Bring your entry, accompanied with a removable label that includes your name, the contest category, and the name of the entry (see template), to the 4th Floor Conference Center at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at 901 G St NW on Saturday, August 29 between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. 

PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To pick up your entry, you (or someone on your behalf) must pick it up between 4:00 and 5:00 pm on the same day as judging (Saturday, August 29) from Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Compost not picked up will be composted (ha!).