That's an excellent question, and yes, there absolutely are! Manufacturers and city planners are getting much smarter about design to tackle litter at its source. The goal is to make proper disposal the easiest and most obvious choice.
One common feature is the use of secure, well-fitting lids—often with a hands-free opening mechanism like a foot pedal or a smart sensor. This prevents wind from scattering trash and keeps pests out. For high-traffic areas, you'll see designs with larger capacities and wider openings, making it convenient to toss items without missing.
Some innovative bins are even designed to be "smarter." These can include compactors that allow the bin to hold more waste, reducing overflow, and sensors that alert collection services when they're full. A consistently overflowing bin is a major culprit for litter.
Perhaps the most effective designs consider human behavior. Clear, positive signage ("Thank you for keeping our park clean!") and placing bins in highly visible, logical paths—like near exits or alongside benches—significantly increase their use. Community-focused designs, sometimes involving local artists, can also foster a sense of pride and ownership, making people less likely to litter in the first place.
So, while the humble trash can might seem simple, modern versions are thoughtfully engineered tools in the ongoing effort to reduce litter and maintain cleaner, more enjoyable outdoor spaces for everyone.