That's a great question! It really depends on the specific design and installation of the bin. In many modern cities, yes, a lot of public litter bins are designed with mobility in mind. You'll often see them equipped with sturdy wheels or casters at the base, allowing sanitation crews to easily roll them aside for thorough street sweeping. This is a common practice to ensure no debris is trapped underneath and the entire curb area is cleaned.
For events like street fairs, parades, or markets, municipalities frequently relocate these bins. Temporary, high-capacity bins are often brought in, but standard public bins might also be moved to optimal high-traffic locations. Their movable nature is key for this logistical setup and later cleanup. However, not all bins are easy to move. Some are permanently anchored to the ground with concrete or bolts to prevent theft, vandalism, or accidental tipping. Heavy, barrel-style bins without wheels can also be difficult to shift.
So, while the intent for many public bins is to allow flexibility for cleaning and public events, the actual ease of movement varies. If you see one with wheels, it's definitely meant to be relocated. This design consideration significantly helps maintenance teams keep our public spaces clean and adaptable.