That's an excellent and very practical question! As someone who's used bins in everything from desert heat to snowy winters, I can tell you modern plastic waste bins are surprisingly resilient. Most quality bins today are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, which are engineered to handle significant temperature swings.
In extreme cold, down to -30°C or even lower, good bins won't become brittle and crack. The material retains its flexibility. I've seen them survive frozen solid and still bounce back when emptied. The key is using virgin, UV-stabilized resin rather than recycled material that can degrade.
For heat, prolonged exposure to direct sun at 40°C+ won't cause melting or warping in well-made bins. They include additives for UV resistance to prevent the plastic from breaking down and becoming brittle over years of sun exposure. The color might fade slightly over a decade, but structural integrity remains.
The real concern isn't the temperature alone, but physical impact at those extremes. A full bin at -20°C is more rigid, so dropping it could cause damage. Similarly, a soft bin in extreme heat shouldn't be overfilled. For most residential and commercial use, from Canadian winters to Arizona summers, a quality plastic bin from a reputable manufacturer will perform reliably for years. Just avoid cheap, thin bins if you live in an area with truly extreme climates.