That's an interesting and very practical question about urban management. The short answer is yes, technically, you can chain public trash cans together or to a fixed object like a pole or bike rack to deter theft. It's a method sometimes seen in areas with high rates of public property loss or vandalism. The chain acts as a physical anchor, making it inconvenient and time-consuming for someone to walk off with the bin.
However, from a city operations perspective, it's a bit more nuanced. Chaining cans together can create issues for cleaning crews who need to move them for thorough emptying or street washing. It can also be seen as a somewhat inelegant solution, potentially giving an area an unwelcoming, "fortified" feel.
In practice, many cities now invest in more integrated anti-theft designs rather than retrofitting chains. This includes using heavier, more durable materials that are less desirable to steal, embedding bins into concrete bases, or installing them with specialized, tamper-proof bolts that require unique tools to remove. The goal is to secure public assets while maintaining accessibility for waste disposal and ease of maintenance. So, while chaining is a possible quick fix, modern urban planning often seeks more permanent and aesthetically considered solutions to the same problem.