Short answer: yes, they can—but daily emptying is only one part of the puzzle. If urban trash bins are left unemptied, especially when they contain food waste, they become a pretty reliable buffet. The smell of leftovers, sweet drinks, and grease travels farther than most people expect, and it can draw in flies, cockroaches, rodents, gulls, stray dogs, and raccoons depending on where you are. Warmth matters too; in summer, a bin can turn into a fast breeding spot for flies and maggots. In cooler months, rodents may still use bins for shelter and easy calories.
That said, “not emptied daily” does not automatically mean “pest magnet.” A lot depends on what is inside, how well the bin seals, how hot or wet the climate is, and whether the area around the bin is kept clean. A lidded, lined, well-maintained bin with mostly dry, non-food waste can sit for a day or two with less risk. A leaking bag of rice, chicken bones, and half-eaten fruit will attract pests much faster. Public bins near food stalls, markets, bus stops, or apartment chutes are especially vulnerable because they receive a steady stream of snacks and takeaway containers.
Daily emptying certainly helps by removing the food source and reducing odors, but it is not a cure on its own. If staff empty the bin but leave spilled juice, sticky residue, or bags sitting beside it, pests still have a reason to stay. The practical fix is a combination: empty food-heavy bins daily, use lids that close properly, line bins, wash them regularly, fix leaks, keep the surrounding pavement clean, and place bins away from doorways and vents. Pest-proof designs, secure compactor bins, and scheduled collections also make a difference.
So, if you are asking whether urban trash bins can attract pests when they are not emptied daily: yes, especially food waste bins in warm or dense areas. Daily emptying lowers the risk, but clean, sealed, well-managed bins lower it much more.