That's a fantastic question that gets to the heart of practical urban design. Having walked many promenades myself, I find there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but a balance based on several factors.
From a user's perspective, many small bins are incredibly convenient. You're never far from a disposal point, which discourages littering. On a sunny day with crowds and ice cream wrappers, this is a godsend for cleanliness. However, they can overflow quickly, creating an eyesore if not emptied frequently. They also cost more to install and maintain, requiring more collection stops for sanitation crews.
On the other hand, fewer large, centralized bins are more efficient for collection. They hold more waste, reducing overflow risk and operational costs. They can also accommodate better sorting systems for recycling and compost. The downside? If they're too far apart, people won't hold onto their trash. You might see littering increase or trash placed on walls and benches near where a small bin *should* be.
For me, the ideal solution is a hybrid approach. Place larger, multi-stream recycling bins at key entrances, seating areas, and food vendor clusters where waste volume is high. Then, strategically supplement these with smaller, simple trash receptacles in between, especially in high-traffic zones where convenience is paramount. The key is consistent and predictable emptying—a perfectly placed bin is useless if it's always full.
Ultimately, the "better" option depends on the promenade's foot traffic, budget for maintenance, and commitment to recycling. The goal is to make the right choice the easy choice for the pedestrian.