That's an excellent and very practical question! Many cities do implement specific color-coding systems for residential waste collection, and it's smart to wonder if those same rules apply to public bins you encounter on streets, in parks, or at transit stations.
Generally, the core principle remains the same: colors signal the type of waste. Common schemes use blue for recycling (paper, plastic, metal), green for compost/organics, and black or gray for general landfill trash. However, for public bins, there's a crucial difference. While your home system might have detailed sub-categories, public bins are simplified for high-traffic use. You'll typically see just two or three streams.
The best practice is to look for the graphic labels and written instructions on the bin itself, not just the color. A public bin might be blue, but its label will specify if it accepts only bottles and cans, or also paper. Always follow those specific bin instructions over your home system's general color rule. When in doubt, if you cannot find a clear match or the bin is contaminated, it's better to use the general waste bin to avoid ruining an entire load of recyclables. Your city's public works or sanitation department website is the definitive resource for their public space bin color codes.