Yes—there are urban trash cans that crush or, more accurately, compact waste automatically. They’re usually called smart bins or solar-powered compacting bins. A sensor checks how full the bin is, and when waste reaches a certain level, a motorized press compacts it. That means the bin can hold several times more rubbish before it needs emptying. Some models also send alerts to collection crews when they’re full, which can reduce truck trips and overflowing bins.
The best-known example is the Bigbelly system, but several other companies make similar units. You’ll see them in downtown areas, parks, campuses, transit stops, and busy pedestrian zones. Some have separate compartments for recycling, and many run on solar power with battery backup.
They’re not everywhere, though. They cost more than ordinary bins, need maintenance, and can jam if people stuff in bulky or inappropriate items. So they’re useful in high-traffic areas, but they aren’t a magic fix for all street waste. In short: yes, automatic-compacting urban trash cans exist—but they compact normal litter rather than crushing every kind of waste like a garbage truck.