Short answer: sometimes, but not always. Many urban trash cans do have small drainage holes, slots, or gaps—often near the bottom or hidden in the base—so rainwater can escape instead of pooling inside. That helps reduce odors, rust, and the weight of soggy waste, and it makes emptying the bin less messy after a storm. In rainy cities, you’ll also see designs with overlapping lids or angled tops that keep most water out in the first place.
That said, there’s no universal rule. Some public bins are sealed or lined with bags, and those may have no holes because the goal is to keep liquids contained. Others have holes that get clogged with litter, leaves, or stickers, so they only work if maintenance crews check them. So if you’re buying or specifying a bin for a wet climate, look for drainage details, easy cleaning, and a lid design that sheds rain. If you’re just curious about the can on your street, check the bottom edge or base—you may find small openings you never noticed.