When people ask me which urban trash bins are best for narrow streets, I usually say: start with the smallest bin that can handle the daily waste volume without overflowing, not the biggest one that fits. A standard round wheelie bin is cheap and familiar, but it often blocks sightlines and eats up sidewalk space. On tight streets, slim-profile wheelie bins are usually the most practical upgrade: they keep the same collection routine, but a narrower footprint leaves more room for pedestrians, strollers, and delivery bikes.
If the street has very narrow pavements, wall-mounted or pole-mounted bins can work well for litter, but only if they are emptied often. They are great where floor space is almost zero, yet they are not a substitute for household waste capacity. For mixed public waste, a compact smart bin with a small opening, a locking system, and a fill-level sensor can reduce overflow and unnecessary collection trips. I would choose a simple, robust model rather than a complicated one, because public bins take abuse.
For residential blocks with regular collection, semi-underground containers or compact underground systems can be excellent. They hold more waste without a large street-level footprint, and they look tidier. They cost more upfront and need the right location, drainage, and lifting equipment, so they make more sense when several buildings share one point. In historic or very tight areas, custom enclosures and shared micro-depots can also help, as long as they do not become obstacles.
Material and maintenance matter as much as shape. Durable HDPE, galvanized steel, or powder-coated metal with rounded edges works well; sharp corners get damaged and collect dirt. Look for fire-resistant designs, secure lids, and smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. The bin also needs to be easy for collection crews to move and empty. A beautiful compact bin is useless if the truck cannot reach it or workers have to drag it through a crowd.
So my short answer: for most narrow urban streets, slim-profile wheelie bins are the best all-round choice; wall-mounted bins suit litter hot spots, and compact smart or semi-underground systems work where space is truly limited and maintenance is well organized. Keep pedestrian clearance first, choose the smallest adequate size, and plan for frequent emptying. That combination usually beats one oversized bin on every corner.