That's an excellent and very thoughtful question. Thank you for asking. It shows a real concern for public safety, which is something cities and manufacturers take very seriously.
To answer directly: modern, properly maintained urban trash cans should not have exposed sharp edges that pose a safety hazard. This is a fundamental part of their design and procurement. Here’s a bit more detail on why and how this is managed:
First, the design phase prioritizes safety. Most contemporary public litter bins are made from materials like molded polyethylene plastic, powder-coated steel, or stainless steel. These materials allow for smooth, rounded contours. Corners are almost always rounded off (a process called radiusing), and any metal seams are rolled, welded smoothly, or covered with protective caps. The goal is to eliminate protruding points or sharp metal burrs that could cut or snag clothing.
Second, durability and vandal-resistance are key, but not at the expense of safety. While bins are built to withstand harsh use and attempts at damage, the materials and construction methods are chosen to fail in a safer way—like denting or cracking—rather than creating dangerous, jagged edges.
Third, maintenance plays a crucial role. Regular inspection by public works crews is standard. If a bin is damaged in an accident or through vandalism and *does* develop a sharp edge, it's typically removed from service quickly for repair or replacement. Reporting a damaged bin to your city's 311 line or equivalent is always a helpful citizen action.
There's always a caveat with older or heavily damaged units. An antique, poorly maintained metal bin or one that has been in a serious car accident could potentially have a hazardous defect. However, in most well-managed municipalities, such bins are the exception, not the rule.
So, while it's always wise to be cautious around any public fixture, you can generally feel confident that the trash cans on your sidewalks, in parks, and at transit stops have been specifically designed and maintained with the prevention of sharp-edge injuries in mind. It's a basic but critical element of creating a safe urban environment for everyone.