That's an excellent and very practical question! Many people don't think about sun damage until their once-dark bins turn brittle and pale. The short answer is: it completely depends on the specific bin you purchase.
Many modern, quality outdoor trash bins are indeed manufactured with UV inhibitors or stabilizers mixed directly into the plastic resin. This additive acts like sunscreen, absorbing and dispersing the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays to significantly slow down the fading and degradation process. You'll often find this feature highlighted as "UV protected," "UV resistant," or "sun-resistant" in product descriptions.
However, not all bins have this protection. Basic, inexpensive models may use untreated plastics that will fade quickly, becoming chalky and brittle within a season or two of direct sunlight.
To tell if your bin is protected, check the original product specs or look for a mention of UV protection on the bin itself or its packaging. For maximum longevity, I recommend choosing bins specifically labeled with UV protection, and placing them in shaded areas when possible. This simple step can double or triple the life and appearance of your outdoor waste containers.