That's an excellent and practical question! The answer, like many things in urban planning, is: it depends. Most standard municipal trash cans you see on sidewalks and in parks typically arrive pre-assembled from the manufacturer. They are delivered as complete, single units, ready to be anchored or placed in position by the city's public works or maintenance crew. This is for efficiency and durability; welded steel or molded plastic units are sturdier when factory-built.
However, there are exceptions. Some modern, modular, or high-design public litter bins might ship in a few large pieces (like a separate base, body, and lid) to reduce shipping costs and space. For these, basic assembly is required, but it's usually minimal – often just a few bolts. This task is still generally handled by the city's crew, not by the public.
If you're a business or property manager ordering a commercial-grade bin, the scenario changes. Many heavy-duty or specialty bins (like those with concrete liners or complex compaction mechanisms) may require some on-site assembly. The vendor's specifications will always state "pre-assembled" or "requires assembly." For large orders, professional installation might be included or recommended.
So, for a municipality, the focus isn't on complex assembly but on installation: securing the bin to the ground, ensuring proper placement for collection vehicles, and adding liners. The short answer is you shouldn't need a separate crew *just* for assembly for standard cans, but you will always need your trained crew for transport, placement, and securing them safely in the urban landscape.