I’d start by putting on thick gloves and checking what the sticky stuff actually is, because gum, tape residue, spilled soda, and greasy food waste all need slightly different treatment. First, scrape off as much as you can with a plastic scraper or a stiff brush. Don’t use a metal scraper on painted or plastic bins, or you’ll scratch the surface and make future residue stick even more.
Next, spray the area with a degreaser or a mix of warm water and dish soap. Let it sit for a few minutes so it can soften the residue, then scrub with a stiff brush. For gum or adhesive, a citrus-based remover, rubbing alcohol, or a commercial adhesive remover works well. Test it on a small hidden spot first, especially on colored plastic. If the bin smells bad, add a little white vinegar or baking soda during the wash, but don’t mix vinegar and bleach.
For larger urban bins, a pressure washer can save a lot of time, but keep the nozzle at a safe distance so you don’t crack the plastic or force water into cracks. Rinse thoroughly, then dry the bin in the sun if possible. Once it’s clean, a light coat of cooking spray or a commercial bin liner can make the next cleanup easier. The key is to remove the sticky layer early, clean up spills promptly, and schedule regular washing so the residue never gets a chance to harden.