Yes, they do—though it depends on what you mean by “count usage.” In many cities, you’ll find smart trash bins equipped with sensors that monitor fill level, lid openings, weight changes, or deposit events. Those signals can be used to estimate how often a bin is used, not just how full it is.
The most common setup uses ultrasonic or infrared sensors to measure how much space is left inside. A bin can also count each time the lid opens or a deposit is detected. Some models combine weight sensors and tilt or position data to separate a single large deposit from several small ones. Solar-powered compacting bins, for example, often report both fill level and usage events over wireless networks such as NB-IoT or LoRaWAN.
Cities use this data to plan collection routes, avoid overflowing bins, and place bins where demand is highest. You’ll see these systems in parks, transit stops, campuses, airports, and busy shopping streets. Some also send alerts when a bin is full, damaged, or too hot.
There are limits. A lid-opening count is only an estimate, because one opening may include several items or none at all. Sensors need maintenance, batteries, and reliable connectivity. Privacy is usually less of a concern because the sensors track bin events, not personal data, but public agencies still need clear data policies.
So the short answer is yes: sensor-equipped urban trash bins can count usage, often alongside fill-level monitoring. They are becoming a practical part of smart city waste management—especially where cleaner streets and more efficient collection routes matter.