That's a really interesting and practical question. Honestly, the track record is pretty mixed, and it largely depends on the specific design, location, and maintenance of the bins. In many cities, standard open-top or loosely-lidded public trash cans are unfortunately an open buffet for rats, mice, and other pests. Rodents are incredibly agile and persistent; they can chew through plastic bags and even some weaker plastics to get to food scraps.
However, many municipalities are upgrading to containers with better rodent-deterring features. The most effective ones are typically made of heavy-duty, chew-resistant metal like galvanized steel. They have tightly sealed, locking lids that are often operated by a foot pedal or a handle, preventing gaps. Some advanced models even have inner liners or closed-bottom designs to block access from below.
The biggest weak point often isn't the bin itself, but human behavior. Overfilled bins with litter spilling out, bags placed beside the can, or lids left propped open completely negate the best designs. Regular and frequent collection schedules are also critical. A can that overflows for days is an irresistible target.
So, while modern, well-designed urban trash cans *can* have a good track record, their success is not universal. It requires a combination of robust hardware, consistent public cooperation, and efficient municipal servicing to truly prevent rodent access. The fight against pests at the curb is an ongoing one.