Honestly, it depends on the type of urban trash can you mean. A small public litter bin on a sidewalk might weigh only 20 to 50 pounds when empty, so yes, one person can usually move it, though it may be bolted down or designed to stay put. A larger street bin or decorative public waste container can weigh closer to 75 to 150 pounds, and once it is full, that weight goes up fast. At that point, one person might be able to tilt it or wheel it a short distance, but moving it safely is often a two-person job.
Commercial wheeled bins are a different story. Empty, they might be around 50 to 100 pounds, but larger models can be 150 to 300 pounds or more. When loaded with wet waste, food packaging, or construction debris, they can become very heavy and awkward. If the bin has good wheels and the ground is flat, one person can often roll it. But stairs, curbs, uneven pavement, or a badly overloaded bin can make it unsafe for one person to handle alone.
So, can one person move an urban trash can? Sometimes, yes. Small and medium bins with wheels are often manageable on flat ground. But heavy public bins, loaded commercial containers, and anything bolted down or unusually full may require two people, a cart, or proper lifting equipment. If you are not sure, test the weight first and avoid straining your back—it is better to get help than to force a heavy bin to move.