Short answer: yes. Urban trash cans can be anchored to the ground, and many cities do it to reduce theft and tampering. The most common methods are heavy-duty bolts or expansion anchors into concrete, steel posts set in concrete, locking base plates, and tamper-resistant hardware. For lighter public waste bins, a simple cable or chain system can help, but it’s usually less secure than a fixed base.
That said, anchoring isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. Ground-anchored bins need to be placed on a solid surface, and the anchor must be strong enough for the bin and the local weather. You also have to think about collection crews: if the bin is bolted down, it should still be easy to empty, clean, and repair. Poorly designed anchoring can create trip hazards, trap water, or make maintenance a headache.
In areas with repeated urban trash can theft, a combination works best: anchored trash cans, lockable lids or liners, and a location that’s visible and well used. No method makes a bin completely theft-proof, but good trash can security raises the effort enough to deter most casual thieves.
So yes—anchoring is practical and common. Just check local rules, use proper hardware, and plan for maintenance from the start. That’s usually the difference between a secure public waste bin and one that becomes a future repair job.