That's a great question! Yes, you can definitely find urban trash cans with built-in ashtrays on the top. They are more common than you might think, especially in city centers, near office buildings, public transport hubs, and outside bars or restaurants.
These specialized bins are designed to tackle a specific litter problem: cigarette butts. The main compartment is for general waste, while the sturdy, often sand-filled or metal-cupped ashtray on top provides a safe place to extinguish and dispose of smoking materials. This simple design helps keep sidewalks cleaner by giving smokers a convenient alternative to flicking butts onto the ground.
You'll notice various designs. Some are classic "pedestal" bins with a circular ashtray integrated into the lid. Others might have a smaller, distinct metal tray attached to the side or top of a modern solar-powered compacting bin. Their presence often signals a city's effort to manage litter and reduce fire risk.
While not every single trash can has one, looking for bins in designated smoking areas or outside venues where people commonly smoke is your best bet. So next time you're in a city, take a glance at the public bins—you'll likely spot these helpful ashtray-topped models working to keep our streets tidier.