Short answer: usually yes, they need to be anchored—but “special” isn’t always the right word. On a concrete sidewalk, an urban trash bin should be secured if it’s exposed to wind, foot traffic, vandalism, theft, or maintenance equipment. Most cities either require the bin manufacturer’s approved anchor kit or an engineer-approved anchoring method. For many surface-mounted bins, that means concrete-rated wedge anchors, sleeve anchors, or adhesive anchors set into a sound slab. Some bins use a proprietary base plate and bolt pattern; others are designed to be ballasted or through-bolted. I wouldn’t just use whatever masonry screw is in the truck. The anchor has to suit the concrete thickness, edge distance, crack condition, freeze-thaw exposure, and the loads the bin may see.
Also, “special” matters when the sidewalk is thin, older, or near expansion joints. A long wedge anchor in a 4-inch slab can spall or crack the concrete if it’s too close to an edge. In cracked or uncertain concrete, an engineer may call for adhesive anchors, a larger base plate, or a separate footing. You also have to keep clear of utilities, drainage, ADA path width, and snow-removal routes. If the bin is serviced by a lift truck, the anchor system may need a quick-release design or a different mounting detail so crews can empty it without unbolting everything.
Practically speaking, check the local municipal spec and the bin manufacturer’s installation manual before drilling. Use concrete-rated anchors with the right embedment and keep them away from joints and edges. If the slab is questionable, get a site-specific detail rather than guessing. So: yes, urban trash bins often need proper concrete anchoring—but the “special” part should come from the bin design, slab conditions, and local codes, not from a universal rule.