Short answer: usually, you don’t have to replace the whole bin just because the lid breaks—but it depends on the bin design and how it failed. Many city and commercial trash cans are modular, so the lid, hinge pins, or lid assembly can be ordered separately. If the lid is cracked, warped, or missing, and the body is still solid, replacing just the lid is often the cheapest and fastest fix.
I’d start by checking the make and model on the bin or inside the frame. Then look at the hinge: some lids slide onto a steel pin, while others use bolts or a molded snap-fit. If the hinge area on the body is torn or the plastic is cracked, a new lid may not stay on safely. In that case, replacing the whole unit—or at least the top assembly—may be the better call.
For public bins, also consider safety, sanitation, and procurement rules. A damaged lid can collect water, encourage pests, or create sharp edges, so it shouldn’t be left loose. If parts are available and the repair is straightforward, a maintenance crew can usually swap the lid in minutes. If the parts are discontinued, the repair cost approaches the price of a new bin, or the body is rusted or cracked, full replacement makes more sense.
So: repair the lid if the bin is modular and the body and hinge are sound; replace the whole thing if the hinge mounting is damaged, parts aren’t available, or safety and cost no longer justify a repair. For a city-owned can, report it to the maintenance department rather than trying a DIY fix.