That's a great question! Dealing with a seized-up trash bin lid in the cold is so frustrating. The good news is, preventing it is pretty straightforward with a little seasonal prep. The main culprits are moisture and temperature changes, which cause rust and corrosion in the metal pivot points.
First, give those hinges a good cleaning. Brush away any dirt, debris, or old flaky rust with a stiff brush. A bit of warm, soapy water can help, but make sure you dry the hinges *thoroughly* afterwards with a cloth—any leftover moisture will freeze or cause rust.
Next, and this is the most important step, apply a protective lubricant. Avoid standard oils or WD-40 for long-term prevention; they can attract more dirt and gum up. Instead, use a dry lubricant spray (like one with PTFE/Teflon) or a silicone-based lubricant. These create a protective, water-repellent barrier without being sticky. Spray or apply it directly into the hinge pin and pivot areas. Open and close the lid a few times to work the lubricant in deeply.
For extra protection, especially in very wet or salty areas, you can apply a small dab of white lithium grease or a marine-grade grease to the hinge pins. It's thicker and will stay put longer against harsh weather.
A clever preventative hack is to use a car wax or a spray-on silicone protectant on the cleaned, dry metal surfaces around the hinges. This adds another layer of defense against moisture. Try to do this maintenance in the late fall before the deep freeze sets in, and check/reapply the lubricant mid-winter if needed. Taking these few minutes will save you from a broken lid or a nasty, frozen surprise on a cold morning!