For a downtown plaza with lots of foot traffic, I would not pick a decorative open-top bin. The best urban trash bin is usually a commercial-grade, dual-stream outdoor receptacle made from heavy powder-coated steel or stainless steel, with covered openings, locking service doors, and anchored feet. It is not the most glamorous choice, but it is the one that keeps a busy plaza cleaner and easier to maintain.
The key is to combine trash and recycling in one sturdy unit. A dual-stream bin makes sorting obvious for people walking through with coffee cups, food wrappers, and newspapers, while also giving your maintenance crew a consistent liner size. Look for a 40–55 gallon capacity, or two compartments of roughly 20–25 gallons each. That is big enough to handle lunchtime rushes without becoming so heavy that collection staff dread servicing it.
Covered, side-facing openings are important. They keep rain out, reduce wind-blown litter, and stop the bin from looking like an overflowing barrel by mid-afternoon. I would also insist on a locking front or side door, a rigid liner system, and rounded edges or smooth surfaces that are easy to wipe down. Powder-coated steel is a good balance of durability and cost; stainless steel is tougher in coastal or heavily salted areas, but it costs more and shows fingerprints.
Placement matters as much as the bin itself. Anchor it on a level concrete pad, keep it visible but out of the main walking line, and leave enough clearance for collection carts. Put it near benches, transit stops, or food kiosks where people naturally finish drinks and snacks. If the plaza has a lot of wind, add a small ash urn only if smoking is permitted, and make sure the openings are sized for the waste stream you expect.
If I were specifying one for a downtown plaza, I would choose a powder-coated steel dual-stream receptacle with rain hoods, small side openings, locking liners, and bolt-down feet. Then I would buy several identical units and place them consistently. In high-traffic public spaces, the “best” bin is rarely the trendiest one. It is the one that is easy to use, hard to break, simple to empty, and boring enough to stay in service for years.