Yes, they do. If you have ever noticed a city street litter bin with a smaller recycling compartment attached to one side, you are looking at a real and increasingly common urban design. These are often called dual-stream public bins, combination bins, split litter bins, or side-saddle recycling bins. The main section is usually for general waste, while the smaller side section is intended for bottles, cans, paper, or other recyclables.
You will see this kind of bin in parks, transit stops, downtown sidewalks, campuses, and shopping districts. The small side recycling bin is popular because it makes recycling more convenient without taking up much extra sidewalk space. It also sends a clear visual message that the city wants people to separate recyclables from general trash. Many designs use different colors, shaped openings, and simple icons to help people sort waste quickly.
That said, these bins work best when they are well designed and well managed. Clear labels matter, because contamination is a common problem. If people put food waste or dirty packaging into the recycling side, the collected material may become worthless. Capacity also matters: a tiny side bin can fill up fast in busy areas, so collection schedules need to match real use. Durability, weather resistance, lockable doors, and easy emptying are important too.
So, are there urban trash bins with a small recycling bin on the side? Absolutely. They are not universal everywhere, but they are a practical and growing option for cities that want to make public recycling easier. The best versions combine clear signage, smart sizing, and reliable maintenance so that the side recycling bin is actually useful rather than just decorative.