Yes—there are smart urban trash cans that track how much waste is collected, though the way they do it varies. Many modern bins are fitted with IoT sensors. A common setup uses an ultrasonic fill-level sensor to see how full the bin is, plus GPS and connectivity to report back to a cloud dashboard. Some models add weight sensors or use collection-truck scales and RFID tags to measure the actual amount of waste emptied from each bin. Higher-end bins can also compact waste and send alerts when they are nearly full.
In practice, these smart bins are part of smart waste management. They help cities avoid overflowing trash cans, plan collection routes based on real data, and reduce fuel use and unnecessary truck trips. The data can show which areas generate more waste, how often bins are used, and whether collection crews are picking up bins on schedule. Some systems also flag anomalies, like a bin that suddenly gains weight or stops reporting.
A few caveats: not every “smart” trash can truly weighs waste. Many only monitor fill level, which is useful but not the same as tracking collected weight. If a city needs accurate collection totals, it usually combines bin sensors with truck-level weighing and RFID or QR scanning. So the short answer is yes—smart urban trash cans can track waste collection, and the best systems combine fill-level monitoring, weight data, and route software to give cities a clear picture.