That's an excellent and very practical question. In my experience observing and using them daily, the answer is a qualified "yes, but with some important caveats." Modern urban trash cans placed in busy pedestrian malls are specifically designed with odor containment as a key priority. Most feature a robust, heavy-duty lid with a rubber or silicone gasket that creates a fairly good seal when closed. This mechanism is crucial for trapping unpleasant smells from food waste, particularly in areas dense with restaurants and food vendors.
You'll notice that the most effective models are the enclosed "bell" or "post" designs with a foot pedal or a small, angled opening for litter. These limit the exchange of air and visually contain the waste. However, their effectiveness hinges entirely on proper use. If the lid is jammed open by overfilling or if people simply don't close it after use, the seal is broken. During peak hours, cans can fill rapidly, compromising the seal's function.
Furthermore, regular and frequent maintenance is non-negotiable. No seal can contain odors from bins that are overflowing or not cleaned internally. Municipal crews in well-managed districts typically empty and sanitize these units multiple times a day in such high-traffic zones. So, while the technology and design for a good seal exist and are implemented, its real-world success is a partnership between durable bin design, responsible public use, and relentless sanitation scheduling. The best pedestrian malls succeed by combining all three elements.