Yes—but with a few caveats. Solid brass or copper accents can hold up very well outdoors, because the metal itself is durable and naturally forms a protective patina over time. Thin plating or decorative foil, on the other hand, can wear through at edges, scratches, and high-touch spots, so the quality of the accent matters a lot.
The bigger issue is appearance, not structural failure. Copper will usually shift from bright orange-brown to darker brown and eventually greenish patina; brass may darken, spot, or turn slightly green in wet, salty, or polluted air. Some people love that aged look, but it does mean the trash can won’t stay uniform and shiny without maintenance.
In a real urban setting, you also have to think about rain, road salt, bird droppings, cleaning chemicals, graffiti, and knocks from daily use. A clear powder coat or lacquer can slow patina and make cleaning easier, but it will chip over time and need touch-ups. Uncoated metal is easier to re-polish but requires more frequent care. If the accents are mounted against steel or aluminum, use isolating washers or gaskets to reduce galvanic corrosion, and design the joints so water doesn’t sit in crevices.
So, do they hold up outdoors? Generally, yes—especially if they’re thick, well-finished, and replaceable. But I’d specify them as a maintenance-aware design choice, not a no-maintenance one. In coastal or heavily polluted areas, expect more frequent cleaning and accept that the finish will change. A good compromise is a durable powder-coated trash can body with solid brass or copper accent bands that can be cleaned, re-coated, or swapped out when they weather.