That's a great question! Yes, there are definitely urban trash cans with different shapes designed specifically to hold more bags or increase capacity. A common design is the rectangular or square "litter bin" often seen in parks and transit stations. Their straight sides and boxy shape maximize interior volume compared to traditional round barrels, allowing them to accommodate larger standard bags or more of them.
Another innovative shape is the "slim profile" or "V-shaped" bin. These are designed to fit into tight urban spaces like narrow sidewalks while still having a wide opening at the top that tapers down. This design can sometimes use a longer, liner bag that is gathered at the top. Some modern designs also feature a dual-compartment system (for recycling and trash) shaped like two merged cylinders or a divided rectangle, effectively doubling the bag-holding capacity in a single unit footprint.
The key isn't always a wildly unusual shape, but a design that optimizes the internal geometry. Look for bins described as "high-capacity," "large-volume," or "jumbo." These often have more cubic space inside, meaning you can fit a taller or wider standard trash bag without it tearing. So next time you're in a city, look beyond the classic round can—you might spot a cleverly shaped bin doing a bigger job!