Newport Students Turn Trash Into Art

Newport’s gray trash cans are getting a colorful makeover, thanks to a partnership between the city, Thompson’s Sanitary Services, the Newport Public Arts Committee, and students at Newport Middle School. According to John Fuller Newport Public Information Officer, who helped lead the effort, the project began with middle school art teacher Miss Harden encouraging her students to submit designs for new trash cans around town. The response was strong, with many student submissions coming in. A judging panel then reviewed the entries and selected 15 final designs that are now featured on the cans.

These are not just decorative covers slapped onto existing containers. The city worked closely with Thompson’s to bring in completely new, more heavy-duty cans that their trucks can still service efficiently. The cans are larger, heavier, and built with a different internal bin system. Instead of opening from the top, one of the side panels swings open, allowing crews to slide the bin out without scraping or damaging the artwork.

Residents may have already spotted some of the new cans around town. A few have been placed along Highway 101, and more are planned for areas like near the Performing Arts Center and some of Newport’s popular beach spots around Nye Beach and the Bayfront. For now, there are only 15 of these art cans, but the hope is to expand the program over time and eventually replace all standard trash cans with artistic versions.

Early feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Fuller says people are “pretty happy” with the new look, and that the project highlights how important youth arts are to Newport. The city hopes this will be just one of many opportunities to involve young people in public projects and community beautification. As the program grows, officials plan to continue working with Newport Middle School and other youth groups to make everyday infrastructure—like trash cans—both functional and beautiful.