That's a really interesting and practical question. The idea of using trash cans with smaller openings to discourage illegal dumping of large bags of waste is something several cities have experimented with, and it comes with both clear advantages and some potential drawbacks.
On the positive side, the logic is sound. A standard-sized garbage bag simply won't fit through a narrow opening. This physically prevents people from disposing of household or commercial waste in public bins, which is a common form of illegal dumping. It forces waste to be disposed of properly at home or designated facilities. This can significantly reduce overflow, litter around the bin, and maintenance costs for city crews. It also keeps the bins available for their intended purpose: pedestrian litter like coffee cups, wrappers, and small items.
However, there are considerations. First, it can inconvenience legitimate users. Disposing of a medium-sized item, like a takeout container or a small bundle, becomes harder. For accessibility, it could pose a challenge for some individuals. Second, determined dumpers might simply leave bags piled *next to* the bin, which doesn't solve the litter problem and might even worsen the visual blight. Therefore, this design is often most effective when combined with other measures: clear signage, adequate legal waste disposal options, surveillance, and public education.
So, to directly answer your question: Yes, we can and do get urban trash cans with small openings for this purpose. They can be a useful tool in a broader waste management strategy to deter large-scale illegal dumping. However, they are not a standalone solution. Their success depends heavily on the specific context of the area and being part of a comprehensive approach to keeping our urban environments clean.