Yes, but with conditions. In many cities, event organizers do use urban trash bins as temporary barriers—usually as soft crowd-guidance or perimeter markers rather than as certified crowd-control barricades. The bins that work best are heavy-duty municipal units, concrete-base street bins, or portable event bins with water or sand ballast, lockable lids, and a stable footprint. Some manufacturers even make barrier bins specifically for this dual role: waste collection on one side, a visible, weighted barrier on the other.
That said, I would not treat a standard lightweight trash bin as a reliable barrier. Empty or wheeled bins can move, tip, or roll; overfilled bins can spill; and poorly placed bins can block fire lanes, emergency exits, or accessible routes. For events with dense crowds or high-risk crowd dynamics, you still need proper barricades and a crowd-safety plan. Trash bins should be a supplement, not a substitute.
If you are considering using them, check with the city, public works, and event safety team first. Use only bins with weighted bases, secure lids, reflective or high-visibility markings, and a plan for emptying them during the event. Link or space them consistently, inspect them before and during the event, and keep emergency access clear. Used that way, urban trash bins can be a practical, low-cost temporary barrier for light crowd guidance—and they keep the site cleaner at the same time.