Short answer: yes, often, but not universally. Many urban trash bins are designed as modular systems, so the same basic bin body can be ordered with different top openings. A standard general-waste lid might be the default, while a recycling top opening is available as an optional add-on, a replacement lid, or a configured feature during procurement.
These optional recycling tops usually come in a few common styles. You might see a dual-stream lid with two separate openings, one for trash and one for recyclables. Or you might get a single recycling opening with a specific shape, like a round hole for bottles and cans or a narrow slot for paper. Some models use color-coded lids, inserts, and signage to make sorting easier for people passing by.
The “optional” part really matters. It means the recycling top is not always included automatically. Cities, property managers, and maintenance teams often choose it based on the location, local waste rules, budget, and how much recycling contamination they want to reduce. In some cases, the recycling top can be retrofitted later, which is useful if a city starts a new recycling program or changes how it collects materials.
If you are sourcing bins, ask the supplier directly: Is a recycling top opening available for this model? Is it a full lid or just an insert? What opening shapes and colors are offered? Does it fit existing bins? And are replacement parts easy to order?
So, yes, urban trash bins can come with optional recycling top openings, but it is usually a configurable feature rather than a one-size-fits-all standard.