That's an excellent and often overlooked question! It shows you're thinking about inclusivity, which is fantastic. To answer directly: maybe, but there's a good chance they don't unless they were specifically purchased with ADA compliance in mind.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific guidelines for trash receptacles, especially in public areas like parks, building entrances, and common spaces. The key points are about forward reach.
For a *side-reach* (if you approach the can from the side), the compliant height for the opening or the operable part is no higher than 48 inches. More importantly, if it's mounted between 27 and 48 inches high, there must be clear *knee and toe space* underneath. This means you need at least 27 inches of clearance in height, 30 inches in width, and 17 to 25 inches in depth beneath the receptacle.
For a *front-reach* (approaching head-on), the maximum high reach is 48 inches, and the low reach should be no lower than 15 inches, again with clear floor space in front.
Most standard outdoor bins are placed directly on the ground or a pad, blocking that crucial under-side clearance. A common compliant solution is a wall-mounted or pedestal-mounted can with ample open space underneath or a specially designed unit that meets the clearance specs.
It's worth checking your specific bins with a tape measure. Compliance isn't just about avoiding issues—it's about ensuring everyone, including people who use wheelchairs, can access and use public amenities independently. If you're managing a commercial or public property, consulting the latest ADA Standards for Accessible Design or an accessibility specialist is always the best move.