The best way is to treat the trash can as part of the street furniture zone, not as an obstacle in the walking path. On most sidewalks, that means placing cans near the curb edge or in the strip where lights, signs, benches, and trees already sit, while keeping a continuous clear pedestrian route. As a practical rule, aim for at least 1.8 to 2 meters of clear walking space, and more where wheelchairs, strollers, delivery carts, and crowds are common.
Put bins where people naturally need them—near intersections, bus stops, food areas, and building entrances—but not directly on corners, curb ramps, tactile paving, crosswalk approaches, or narrow pinch points. A bin just past a corner or a few steps away from an entrance tends to get used without forcing people into the street. Avoid placing cans in the middle of a sidewalk, in front of benches, or right beside a bus shelter where people queue.
Choose the bin to fit the spot. Slim or wall-mounted bins work in tight areas, while larger bins make sense in high-traffic locations. Make sure the opening is at an accessible height, the bin is securely fixed, and there is clear space around it for someone to approach and use it without stepping into traffic. Keep bins visible but not blocking sight lines, and make sure collection crews can service them safely.
It also helps to coordinate with street cleaning and seasonal maintenance. A bin that blocks snow clearing, leaf collection, or storm drain access will cause problems later. If you are unsure, run a short pilot: place a few bins, watch how people move, and adjust. A good trash can should be easy to reach for the hand and almost invisible to the foot.