Short answer: yes, many do—but not all. If you picture a big city street, you’ll usually see a mix. Some trash bins have hinged lids, domed tops, swing flaps, or side openings. Others are simple open-top cans or wire baskets. Designers often add a lid or hood when rain, odor, pests, and overflow are concerns.
Lids keep rain out in a few ways. A full lid sheds water like a roof. A domed or hooded top lets people drop trash in from the side while rainwater runs off. A swing flap or push door blocks most rain but still allows easy use. Some bins are fully enclosed, with only a small opening. In very rainy cities, covered bins are much more common because open bins fill with water, get heavy, and turn trash into a soggy mess.
But not every urban bin has a lid. Open-top bins are cheaper, easier to empty, and less likely to jam. They may be used in covered areas like transit stations or under awnings. Some cities rely on drainage holes at the bottom, but holes help only so much—they can still leave a wet, smelly mix.
Why does it matter? Rainwater mixed with garbage creates leachate, a dirty liquid that can leak, smell, and attract pests. It also makes bins heavier for workers to handle and can cause overflow onto sidewalks. Mosquitoes may breed in standing water. A good lid or rain hood reduces all of that.
So if you’re asking generally: urban trash bins often come with lids, domes, or hoods to keep rain out, especially in wet climates. But there’s no single rule. If you’re choosing a bin for a city, look for a covered design, a sloped top, a small opening, and drainage. If you’re asking about a specific city, check its public works or sanitation specs—some use standard covered bins, while others still use open frames.