That's an excellent and often overlooked question. Honestly, it's a mixed bag. While many modern urban trash cans boast sleek designs for public spaces, their practicality for the sanitation crews who empty them daily varies dramatically.
Some newer models are fantastic. Standardized wheeled bins with uniform lifting bars are a game-changer. They interface perfectly with automated truck lifts, allowing one worker to empty dozens quickly and without heavy lifting. Similarly, some pedestrian bins feature simple, latch-free lids and bags that slide out easily.
However, many older or poorly designed cans are a real struggle. Heavy, unwieldy concrete or metal cans require multiple workers to lift. Bins with complex locking mechanisms slow down the process. Underground containers can have mechanical issues, and bins placed in cramped sidewalk furniture or bike racks are hard to access with trucks.
The core issue is that the people who specify the bins—city planners and architects—often aren't the ones emptying them. The most "aesthetic" design can be a nightmare for a worker at 5 AM. The key is involving sanitation departments in procurement decisions. Features like standardized handles, smooth inner surfaces, appropriate weight, and easy truck access make all the difference.
So, the answer is: they can be, but only when functionality for the worker is prioritized as highly as public appearance and vandal resistance. The most successful cities are those that choose bins designed for the entire lifecycle of waste, not just for disposal.