Yes—urban trash cans can absolutely be bolted to the ground, and many cities do it to reduce theft and vandalism. The most common setup is a heavy-duty mounting kit with concrete anchors or an embedded sleeve, paired with security bolts that require a special tool to remove. It works best when the bin is placed on a solid concrete pad or sturdy pavement, not loose soil or weak asphalt.
That said, it’s not just a matter of drilling a couple of holes. You need to think about public safety, maintenance access, drainage, and local regulations. Bolting a can down can make collection and repair harder, so some cities use locking systems or removable cores instead. It also doesn’t make a bin completely theft-proof, but it definitely raises the effort required and discourages casual theft.
In practice, bolted bins are a practical option for high-traffic areas, parks, transit stops, and streets where bins keep disappearing. Before installing, check with public works or the local authority, choose hardware rated for outdoor weather, and make sure the anchor points won’t become a tripping hazard. Done properly, ground-mounted trash cans can be secure, serviceable, and much less attractive to thieves.