Short answer: they can be quite durable, but not all bins are equal. In a harsh winter, an urban trash bin has to handle sub-zero temperatures, wet snow, road salt, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and occasional knocks from plows or snow-clearing equipment. The bins that last are usually specified for cold climates rather than chosen only on price.
Material matters most. High-density polyethylene bins are common because they resist moisture, salt, and freezing well, especially when they use UV-stabilized, cold-impact-grade plastic. Cheap plastic can become brittle in deep cold and crack if hit. Coated or galvanized steel is strong and keeps its shape, but road salt and standing water attack seams, scratches, and hinges; powder coating helps, but it needs touch-ups after chips. Stainless steel performs better against salt but costs more and can still suffer at welds. Concrete bins are heavy and stable and resist freezing, though repeated freeze-thaw can cause surface spalling, and they are harder to move for snow clearing.
Design and placement matter almost as much as material. Rounded edges, sloped tops, drainage holes, and elevated bases help prevent water pooling and ice buildup. Lids and latches should work with gloves and not freeze shut. Closed seams and replaceable parts make a big difference, because a bin is only as durable as its weakest hinge or locking mechanism. Placement matters too: bins left in snowplow paths or low spots where meltwater refreezes will fail faster.
Maintenance is the quiet factor. Rinsing off salt, clearing drainage channels, tightening or replacing hinges, and touching up coated metal before rust spreads can add years of service. Inspections after the first freeze and again at spring thaw catch cracks and corrosion early.
So how durable are they? A well-specified HDPE or properly coated metal bin in a harsh-winter city can last many seasons, often around 5 to 10 years with decent maintenance, while low-grade or poorly placed bins may fail in one or two bad winters. The practical rule: in cold climates, choose cold-rated materials, salt-resistant hardware, drainage-friendly design, and a maintenance plan—not just the cheapest bin.