Yes—and in many cities, they’re becoming much more common. A good urban trash can doesn’t just collect waste; it quietly guides you. You’ll often see color-coded lids, simple pictograms, and labels in several languages, so people can tell at a glance what goes where. Some bins also use shaped openings—a narrow slot for paper, a round hole for bottles, or a small flap for general trash—which makes the right choice feel almost automatic.
In busier areas, public trash cans may have transparent sections so you can see what’s inside, or LED signs that light up the correct compartment. Others use foot pedals, clear maps, and even QR codes for local sorting rules. Designers also try to make the bins look clean and welcoming, because people are more likely to sort properly when the system feels obvious and well maintained.
That said, not every city gets it right. Confusing bins still exist, especially where local rules are complicated or signage is missing. But the best urban trash cans do exactly what you’re asking about: they make the right place to throw trash obvious, reduce contamination in recycling, and help keep public spaces cleaner. If you’re comparing cities, look for consistent colors, clear icons, and openings that match the waste stream—those are the strongest signs that a bin is designed to guide people, not confuse them.