That's a great and very practical question! The short answer is yes, absolutely. The vibrant plastic on urban trash cans you see today will almost certainly fade and can become brittle over time. It's a common issue driven by environmental factors. Let's break down why this happens.
The primary culprit is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The pigments that give the plastic its color absorb UV energy, which breaks down the chemical bonds in both the pigment molecules and the plastic polymer itself. This process, called photo-degradation, literally bleaches the color, causing it to fade from a bright green, blue, or black to a pale, washed-out version. Simultaneously, the UV radiation damages the plastic's long-chain polymers, reducing their flexibility and strength.
Weathering accelerates this process. Constant cycles of rain, snow, heat, and freezing temperatures cause the plastic to expand and contract. This thermal stress creates micro-cracks, making it easier for moisture and pollutants to penetrate. In winter, salts used for de-icing can be particularly harsh on the material. Over years, the plastic loses its plasticizers—the chemicals that keep it flexible. As these components leach out or break down, the plastic turns dry and brittle, leading to cracks, especially around stress points like handles or wheel mounts.
The type of plastic matters too. While most municipal bins are made from durable, UV-stabilized polyethylene or polypropylene, no plastic is completely immune. Lower-quality plastics or bins without adequate UV inhibitors will degrade much faster.
So, while these bins are designed for toughness, they are in a constant battle with the elements. The fading color is a visible sign of this wear, and the brittleness is the eventual mechanical result. Proper maintenance and using bins made from high-quality, UV-resistant materials can significantly extend their lifespan in our urban landscapes.