Can Fairy Recycling Program
(2021-Present)
Context: Originated in response to the large number of cans left on lawns after OSU football games and student parties in the central off-campus area. Property owners were being fined for trash violations, tenants often didn’t pick up cans quickly, and many houses lacked blue alley recycling bins. The Can Fairy program was created to solve these issues by offering free curbside mixed recycling pickup, reducing litter, preventing pollution, and keeping property owners compliant. The initiative was funded by the Ohio EPA in year 1 and 2, with SWACO providing support for 2025-2026.
Role: Led branding and marketing strategy, created the program’s visual identity, communicated yearly results, and conducted annual door-to-door outreach to recruit and retain participants.
Outcome/Impact: Expanded from 100 to 200 households, diverting over 54,000 lbs of recycling; demonstrated a 4.77× increase in year-over-year diversion while improving neighborhood cleanliness and compliance. The Can Fairy brand has become widely recognized in the University District — even with its transient student population — leading to full enrollment of all 200 bins in 2025 and increased enthusiasm from residents who now mention seeing and celebrating the distinctive bins.
