If you've spent any time in a city, you've likely had a moment of frustration with a public trash bin. So, what's the most common complaint people have? It almost always boils down to one simple issue: they are overflowing.
You see it on busy street corners, in parks, and near public transport stops. The bin is full to the brim, with wrappers, cups, and other debris spilling out onto the sidewalk. This isn't just an eyesore; it attracts pests like rats and pigeons and creates a terrible odor, especially in warmer weather. It sends a message that the area isn't well-cared-for.
Beyond the overflow, other frequent complaints follow closely. Many people point out the poor placement of bins; they are either too few and far between or clustered in illogical spots. This leads to littering, as people won't walk a block to dispose of their coffee cup. Others gripe about the design of the bins themselves—lids that are difficult to open with your elbow or confusing slots for recycling that often lead to contamination. Ultimately, a city's trash bins are a direct reflection of its sanitation system, and when they fail, it's something everyone notices and complains about.