Absolutely, yes—urban trash cans with sand ashtrays on top are a common and practical solution in many cities around the world. If you’ve ever walked down a busy street in New York, London, Tokyo, or Berlin, you’ve likely seen them without even realizing it. These dual-purpose bins are designed to make public smoking safer and cleaner. The top section holds a metal tray filled with sand (or a similar fire-resistant material), allowing smokers to stub out and dispose of cigarettes without risk of starting a fire in the main trash compartment.
From a design perspective, these bins are typically made of durable, weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or stainless steel. The sand tray is removable for easy emptying and cleaning, and the trash body below often has a separate opening for general waste. This separation is key for fire safety and odor control.
Many leading street furniture manufacturers—like Victor Stanley, Forms+Surfaces, or Maglin—offer modular models that can be customized with a sand ashtray top. You’ll find them in parks, outside office buildings, near transit stops, and in outdoor dining areas.
So if you’re asking for personal or city planning purposes, the short answer is: yes, they’re widely available and highly recommended for any urban environment that wants to keep sidewalks tidy and reduce cigarette butt litter. Just look for models labeled “combination litter and ash receptacle” or “smoking station bin,” and you’ll find exactly what you need.