Yes, they exist—and you’ve probably walked past more of them than you realize. In a lot of cities, especially busy downtown areas, transit stops, parks, and outside office buildings, you’ll see urban trash cans with a built-in ashtray on top. The idea is simple: give people a designated place to stub out cigarettes so they don’t toss them on the ground or stuff them into the regular trash opening.
That said, they’re not universal. Some cities avoid them because they can encourage smoking in public spaces or create maintenance issues. Others use them heavily because they cut down on cigarette litter and reduce the risk of smoldering butts in the main waste bin.
If you’re looking for one, check near entrances, bus stops, plazas, and sidewalks where smokers tend to gather. The ashtray part is usually a small metal tray, a recessed top, or a separate opening with a grate. In newer designs, you might also see integrated cigarette disposal slots and covered bins. So yes—they’re definitely a real urban fixture, just not on every corner.