That's a great and very practical question. The short answer is: technically, yes, it is possible to permanently anchor an outdoor trash can to a sidewalk or concrete surface. However, the much more important answer is that you almost certainly should not do it without explicit permission from the governing authority.
Here’s a natural breakdown of the considerations:
The "How" (The Technical Part):
If you have a metal trash can, the common method involves using a heavy-duty anchor kit. You would typically need a concrete drill bit, expansion bolts or concrete anchors, and a corresponding bracket or flange that attaches to the base of the can. The process involves drilling holes into the concrete, inserting the anchors, and securing the bracket. The trash can is then bolted to this fixed bracket. For a more permanent solution, some installations might even involve setting a metal post into a concrete footing during construction.
The Big "But" (Legal and Practical Realities):
This is the crucial part. Sidewalks and public rights-of-way are almost always governed by city or municipal codes.
* Permission is Paramount: Permanently altering public infrastructure (like drilling into a sidewalk) is almost always illegal for a private citizen or business to do without a permit or authorization from the city's public works department. Unauthorized modifications can result in fines and orders to remove it at your own cost.
* Access and Safety: Sidewalks need to be clear for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, strollers, or mobility aids. A permanently fixed object could be a tripping hazard or obstruct the path. Cities have strict regulations about clear path widths.
* Maintenance Needs: Trash cans need to be moved for emptying (by sanitation workers or yourself), deep cleaning, repair, or replacement. A permanently anchored can creates significant logistical problems.
* Utility Lines: Drilling into concrete risks hitting underground utilities or reinforcing rebar.
What Cities Actually Do:
You'll notice that public trash cans in parks or on streets are often secured. Cities use specialized, heavy-duty receptacles that are either:
1. Bolt-Down Models: Designed with integrated anchor points, installed by city crews with permits and proper tools.
2. Weighted Bases: Extremely heavy bases or ones that can be filled with sand or water to prevent tipping without permanent attachment.
3. Fixed-Post Designs: The can itself is part of a permanent installation set into a concrete foundation.
Realistic Advice:
* For Private Property (Your Driveway/Patio): You have more freedom. Using a secure anchor kit on your own concrete is a common and effective way to prevent theft or wind displacement.
* For Public Sidewalks (In Front of a Business/Home): Always contact your local municipal offices or public works department first. Inquire about their regulations. They may have a specific public litter bin program, approved models, and an installation process they manage. They might say no, or they might provide a solution that keeps you compliant.
So, while the physical act of anchoring a can is straightforward, the legal and practical hurdles make it something you should never do unilaterally on public property. The responsible path is always to seek guidance from the local authorities who manage that space.