That's a great question, and it really depends on the specific trash can you're looking at. In many modern cities, a lot of public bins are actually designed with easy cleaning in mind. You'll often see stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic models in parks and on street corners. These materials are chosen because they can handle a good blast from a hose without rusting or degrading quickly. Many have smooth, rounded interiors without sharp corners, so debris and gunk don't get stuck as easily. The drain holes at the bottom are a key feature – they let the water from hosing flow right out, which is essential for a proper rinse.
However, it's not always a perfect system. During busy times or if maintenance schedules are stretched thin, bins can get overloaded. When sticky liquids or food waste sit for too long, a simple hose-down might not be enough and might require scrubbing or disinfectant. So, while the design intent is often there for easy hosing, the real-world "easiness" can vary based on usage and how regularly they're serviced by the city's maintenance crews. Overall, the trend is definitely toward more durable and cleanable designs to help keep public spaces hygienic.