That's an excellent and very important question! It really gets to the heart of what makes a public trash can durable. In the vast majority of cases, yes, the plastic used in modern urban trash cans is UV stabilized. This isn't just a minor feature; it's a critical component of the product's design.
Think about it: these bins are placed outdoors 24/7, 365 days a year, enduring direct sunlight, rain, snow, and temperature swings. Without UV stabilization, the plastic polymers would break down rapidly. The sun's ultraviolet rays are incredibly damaging, causing plastic to become brittle, fade in color, and eventually crack. A bin that becomes brittle in a year or two would be a terrible investment for a city, creating constant replacement costs and potential litter problems from broken containers.
Manufacturers achieve this UV resistance by adding specific chemical stabilizers to the plastic resin during the production process. These additives act as "sunscreen" for the plastic, absorbing or blocking the harmful UV radiation before it can damage the polymer chains. This process significantly extends the lifespan of the bin, often for many years, ensuring it can withstand the harsh realities of the urban environment. So, when you see those sturdy public bins, you can be confident that UV stabilization is a key reason they last so long.