But in one school term, Lucas had given the obsolete terminals, which were headed for landfill, a new lease of life.

He transformed them into a "superhero armour suit".

Lucas, of Holmesville, put in hours of hard work at home and at after-school art classes to build the three-part creation.

He used an old mannequin and backpack straps to assemble the chest armour, which he then glued, nailed and cable-tied the electrical parts to.

A bike helmet with a computer screen attached to it made the perfect headgear, while cut-up cardboard cylinders were used for the leg armour.

Lucas' creation will be on show at West Wallsend District Sustainable Neighbourhood Group's inaugural Old Waste, New Art competition, which challenges entrants to get creative with unwanted items destined for the bin.

Artworks can be three-dimensional, such as sculptures and models, or two-dimensional paintings, photographs and illustrations in the theme of Waste in Society.

Entries will be judged based on creativity and skill at an exhibition held in conjunction with Holmesville Hotel's Billy Cart Derby on Saturday, October 10.

Entry is free but votes cost 50¢, with all proceeds to be donated to parenting and disability support program Mums' Cottage.

Registrations close this Friday, October 2. Go to sustainableneighbourhoods.org.au/our-projects1.