That's an excellent and often overlooked question regarding public space safety. When it comes to sharp edges on public waste bins, several key standards and design principles are in place to prevent injuries.
Primarily, the guidelines fall under general product safety and public accessibility standards rather than one single "waste bin sharp edge" law. A critical reference is the ANSI Z535.4 Standard for Product Safety Signs and Labels, which influences hazard communication. More directly, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines on sharp points and edges in consumer products set a precedent that public furniture manufacturers often follow. The core principle is that exposed edges and corners, especially between 0" and 60" above ground, must be deburred, rounded, or folded. The typical requirement is for a minimum radius of 1/8 inch (approximately 3mm) to soften any edge, making it non-hazardous upon incidental contact.
Furthermore, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design influence this area. While focused on accessibility, they mandate that protruding objects cannot pose a hazard, which indirectly governs sharp edges on fixtures like bins. In practice, reputable manufacturers subject bins to rigorous testing, including force tests to ensure seams and lids won't create sharp points upon impact or use.
Therefore, when you see a modern public litter bin, its edges and corners are deliberately designed to be smooth and rounded. This is a result of adhering to these combined safety philosophies—preventing cuts, snags on clothing, or more serious injuries, especially in high-traffic areas. Regular maintenance inspections also check for damage that could create new sharp hazards, ensuring ongoing public safety.