Honestly, the best labels are the ones people understand at a glance, without needing to stop and decode a whole sign. For tourists, I’d keep urban trash can labeling visual first: a simple pictogram of a bottle, wrapper, or food waste, plus a clear arrow showing where it goes. Put the local language and English side by side, and if your city gets a lot of visitors from specific countries, add one or two other major tourist languages. But don’t overcrowd the bin—too much text is almost as bad as no text.
Use plain words like “Trash,” “Recycling,” and “Food Waste” instead of technical waste categories. If the local system uses terms like “residual waste,” explain them with icons and examples. Color coding helps, but don’t rely on color alone, because colorblind visitors may miss the difference. Combine color with shape, icons, and short text. Place labels at eye level and on the flap or opening, so people see them while holding their rubbish. Labels should also be durable, easy to clean, and readable in bright sun or at night.
A really practical trick is to show photos or drawings of common items: bottles, cans, paper, coffee cups, and food scraps. That takes less effort than reading. If space allows, add a small QR code for detailed local rules, but keep the basic choice simple without it. Finally, test the labels with people who don’t live there. If visitors hesitate, the label needs work. Good urban waste bin signage should feel obvious, friendly, and consistent across the city, not like a puzzle.