That's a great and very practical question! The answer really depends on the specific brand and model you purchase. Most commonly, outdoor trash cans and bins are designed for easy home assembly. They typically arrive in a flat-pack box with all necessary parts, a tool (like an Allen key), and clear, step-by-step instructions. For the majority of people, putting one together is a straightforward 10-20 minute task requiring minimal effort.
However, some premium or heavy-duty models, especially those made from a single rotational-molded piece of plastic or welded metal, may come fully put together. You simply take them out of the packaging, and they're ready to use. The key is to check the product description before you buy. Look for phrases like "easy assembly required," "some assembly needed," or "comes fully assembled." If you want zero hassle, opting for a pre-assembled model is best. But if you don't mind a quick setup, the easy-assembly options are perfectly fine and often more cost-effective and easier to ship.