Yes, they exist, and many cities are getting much smarter about them. The best urban trash cans for raccoons and rats are usually sold as “animal-resistant” rather than truly “animal-proof,” because clever raccoons and determined rats can defeat almost anything if they have time, access, and an easy food source.
For raccoons, the key features are lids they cannot simply flip open. Good designs use locking latches, weighted or spring-loaded lids, rotating openings, or a two-step mechanism that requires both paws and a little patience. Raccoons are dexterous, so a single hook or loose handle is not enough. Heavy steel or thick plastic bodies, rounded bases, and sealed seams also help, and the bin should be anchored or mounted so it cannot be tipped over. Many park bins now have a rotating drum opening that lets people drop trash in but makes it hard for a raccoon to reach back out.
Rats are a different problem because they can squeeze through tiny gaps and chew soft materials. Rat-resistant bins usually have tight-fitting lids, metal rims or body panels, small openings, and no gaps around hinges or wheels. The bin also needs to be emptied often and washed, because a “rat-proof” can full of food residue will still attract rats. In dense neighborhoods, the most effective setup is a sturdy metal or thick poly bin with a locking lid, a snug seal, and a base that is sealed or raised off the ground.
So the honest answer is yes—there are urban trash cans designed to keep raccoons and rats out, and they can work well in parks, alleys, transit stops, and apartment courtyards. But design alone is not magic. If the lid is propped open, the latch is broken, or trash is piled beside the bin, animals will find a way. The cans that perform best combine animal-resistant hardware with frequent collection, public education, and maintenance crews who fix latches and replace damaged parts.