Honestly, the best placement strategy for urban trash cans on a main street is to treat them as part of the pedestrian flow, not as an afterthought. Put bins where people naturally pause or finish something: near crosswalks, bus stops, subway entrances, bench areas, food kiosks, and storefront corners. Those are the moments when someone is most likely to have trash in hand. Keep them visible but out of the walking path—close enough to be convenient, but not blocking sight lines, wheelchair access, or shop entrances.
Spacing matters, but it shouldn't be rigid. On a busy main street, bins every 50–100 meters often works, with extra bins at intersections and transit stops. Pair general waste with recycling where contamination is low and collection is reliable, and use clear, simple signage. Place bins on level ground with easy access for maintenance crews, and avoid spots where they'll overflow on weekends or become wind traps. If possible, run a short pilot, track fill rates and litter hotspots, and adjust. The goal is simple: make the right thing easy, keep the street clean, and make collection efficient.