That's an excellent and very practical question! In my experience, yes, having a well-fitting lid on a public waste bin is generally much better for keeping pests out. Think about the common culprits: birds, rodents, flies, and even stray animals. An open bin is an all-you-can-eat buffet for them. A secure lid acts as a physical barrier, blocking easy access to the food scraps and odors that attract them in the first place.
It's not just about the bigger pests, either. Lids are crucial for controlling insects. Flies are drawn to the smell and can lay eggs on exposed waste, creating a hygiene issue. A lid contains those odors and breaks their breeding cycle.
However, there's a big "but" here. The lid must be the right design and people have to use it properly. A heavy, swinging lid that's difficult to open might discourage use, leading to trash being left on top or beside the bin—which defeats the whole purpose. The best designs are user-friendly, like foot pedals or easy-open swing tops, and they must close automatically.
So, while a lid is a key tool for pest control and improving public sanitation, it's only effective as part of a broader system. That system includes regular, frequent emptying by sanitation crews and public cooperation in actually closing the lid after use. A lidded bin that's overflowing is just as problematic as an open one. Ultimately, a covered bin is a smarter choice for maintaining cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant public spaces for everyone.