RivCo 'Zero Waste Hero' Returns: Win Eco-Friendly Prizes In 2025

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — To start the new year, Riverside County is offering residents a series of eco-friendly challenges this month with the opportunity to win sustainable prizes each week.

The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources is bringing back its Zero Waste Hero virtual campaign for a second year.

Following its successful debut in 2023, the initiative aims to inspire residents to adopt low-and zero-waste practices through challenges on Instagram and Facebook.

The campaign will run from Jan. 1 to 31, offering participants the chance to win eco-friendly prizes while learning about sustainable living, the county said in a news release.

Throughout the month-long campaign, locals can explore challenges that are designed to encourage waste reduction habits, such as using reusable items, composting and minimizing food waste. Each completed challenge earns participants an entry into a weekly drawing, with more entries awarded to those who stay active throughout the campaign.

Prizes for 2025 include sustainable items such as wool dryer balls, reusable steel straws, and eco-friendly office supplies. The grand prize winner will have an opportunity to select a composting system of their choice, delivered free of charge.

Winners must show proof of a Riverside County address to get their winnings. No P.O. box addresses will be allowed.

Here's what last year's participants had to say:

"I am reducing waste in my bathrooms by using reusable and refillable bathroom items from local stores that offer refillable options. Those items also come in zero-waste packaging," social media user @Growwithblair said.

"I'm serviced by the Waste Management of the Inland Empire! I'm team compost...BUT vermicomposting is slowly winning me over," another user, @Caseyqe said.

For more information and requirements to join, visit this page.