That's a great question! It's something a lot of people don't think about until they're faced with a sticky, smelly mess. Thankfully, many modern outdoor trash bins are designed with features that make cleaning much less of a chore.
The most common and helpful feature is a smooth, non-porous interior. Bins made from materials like polyethylene plastic, stainless steel, or galvanized metal have surfaces that don't absorb liquids or odors. Spills and grime can't soak in, so a simple rinse often does the trick. You'll also find that many bins have rounded inner corners instead of sharp 90-degree angles. This clever design eliminates those hard-to-reach spots where gunk loves to hide.
For larger bins, especially wheeled models, look for a wide opening or a clamshell lid that opens fully. This gives you much better access to scrub the entire inside. Some premium models even have a drain plug at the bottom, similar to a cooler, which is fantastic for letting soapy water or rainwater drain out completely after you hose it down.
Speaking of hosing, the best bins for easy cleaning are designed to handle just that. They are built to withstand direct water pressure without trapping moisture in seams. A good tip is to occasionally use a mild disinfectant or a baking soda solution while cleaning to neutralize odors at the source. While not all bins have these "special" features, choosing one with durable, smooth materials and thoughtful access points will make your cleaning routine quick and effortless.