Yes—and some of them work pretty well, though it depends on the design and how people use them. Rats and raccoons are different kinds of trash thieves. Raccoons are strong, clever, and good with their paws, so they can flip open simple lids, pull off loose bungee cords, and tip over lightweight bins. Rats are smaller, can squeeze through tiny gaps, and can gnaw at plastic, rubber, and thin wood. That means a truly animal-resistant trash can usually needs to solve several problems at once: entry, leverage, smell, and access to food waste.
In cities, you’ll find bins marketed as “raccoon-resistant,” “rat-resistant,” or “animal-proof.” Good designs often have locking or twist-lock lids, recessed handles, heavy metal lids, smooth metal bodies, foot pedals that keep the main opening closed, and bases that can be fixed to the ground. Some have a hopper or baffle opening that lets people drop trash in but makes it hard for animals to climb back out or reach the bag. Closed, sturdy containers are much better than open wire baskets or thin plastic cans with cracked lids.
The catch is that no can is completely magic. If a bin is overflowing, the lid is broken, people leave bags beside it, or food waste is loose in the bag, rats and raccoons will still find a way. In many cities, pilot programs with special locking bins have reduced access, but success depends on regular emptying, repairs, cleaning, and public cooperation. If you’re choosing one for a building or street, look for a locking lid, metal construction where possible, smooth surfaces, a secure base, and a design that’s easy for people to use but hard for animals to open. In short: yes, urban trash cans can be designed to keep rats and raccoons out—but they work best when they’re part of a well-managed waste system.