That's a great question that makes you look at the street corner a bit differently, doesn't it? If you stop and think about it, or just glance around next time you're out, you'll likely notice a clear winner: dark green and various shades of gray.
It's not about being fashionable; it's almost entirely about practicality. Dark green, especially that deep forest or hunter green, has been a municipal staple for decades. The reason is simple: it's excellent at hiding dirt, scuffs, and the inevitable grime that comes with public use. It doesn't show stains as easily as, say, white or yellow would. It also has a somewhat neutral, inoffensive quality that blends into both natural settings like parks and more formal urban landscapes.
The other major contender is gray, particularly gunmetal or slate gray. This has become increasingly popular in modern city designs. Gray is the ultimate chameleon—it's neutral, modern, and complements concrete, steel, and glass architecture seamlessly. Like dark green, it's forgiving with dirt and maintains a clean, unobtrusive look.
You might occasionally see black bins for a sleek look, or specific colors for recycling streams (blue for paper, green for glass in some regions). But for the general, everyday public litter bin, the throne is shared by the understated, hardworking duo of dark green and gray. They are the silent, dependable workhorses of city cleanliness, chosen not to stand out, but to fit in and do their job with minimal fuss.