In most busy sidewalk settings, yes—with a few caveats. A lid helps keep wind from lifting wrappers and cups out of the bin, which is a big deal on crowded streets. It also contains odors, keeps rain out, and makes it harder for rats, birds, and stray animals to get into the waste. That means fewer overflowing, smelly bins and less litter blowing onto the pavement.
But a lid only works if people actually use it. On a busy sidewalk, the bin needs a large, obvious opening, a light push flap or foot pedal, and a design that doesn’t force people to touch a dirty surface. If it’s awkward, heavy, or visibly grimy, people will drop trash beside it instead. Maintenance matters just as much: lids need to be cleaned, hinges need to work, and bins need to be emptied often. In high-traffic areas, a well-designed lidded bin is usually better than an open one—but only when it’s kept clean and easy to access.