Short answer: yes, but you have to be a little careful. There are urban trash cans made in the USA that aren’t outrageous, but the truly cheap commercial bins are usually imported. If “not too expensive” means roughly under $200, your options are limited but not zero. You’ll mostly be looking at basic powder-coated steel, perforated metal, or simple plastic commercial cans from domestic manufacturers, factory overstock, or smaller regional suppliers. A plain US-made steel street can with a liner ring might land around $150–$350 depending on size and finish; decorative, locking, or custom-branded models can go well past $500.
Brands and suppliers worth checking include Witt Industries, Ex-Cell Kaiser, and Clean City Squares, but don’t assume every model is domestic—ask for the country of origin in writing and look for a clear “Made in USA” claim on the specific SKU. “Assembled in USA” with imported components is not the same thing. Also watch shipping: freight on a heavy steel can can erase the savings, so a regional manufacturer or local distributor is often the smarter buy.
If your budget is tight, another good route is a local metal fabricator. A simple perforated steel or expanded-metal can with a liner ring, powder coat, and anchor tabs can often be built for $150–$400 depending on size and finish. It won’t have the polished look of a catalog streetscape bin, but it will hold up better than a flimsy imported plastic can.
For urban use, don’t chase the absolute lowest price. Check steel gauge, coating quality, liner compatibility, anchoring hardware, and whether replacement parts are available. A slightly more expensive US-made can that lasts five or ten years is usually cheaper than replacing a bargain bin every year. So yes—affordable USA-made urban trash cans are out there, but you’ll find them faster by asking suppliers directly, buying basic models, and checking the fine print instead of trusting a broad “American-made” badge.