I’d say yes—usually. In busy sidewalks, plazas, transit stops, and event zones, a 360-degree opening removes a small but real friction point: people don’t have to find the “front” or walk around the bin. If someone is moving quickly with a coffee cup or wrapper, an opening that is visible from every side is more likely to catch the toss. That convenience can raise use and reduce litter around the base, especially where foot traffic comes from multiple directions.
But the design isn’t automatically better. A 360-degree trash can works best when it is placed in open, high-traffic spots, kept clean, and clearly signed for what goes in. Single-side bins can still be the smarter choice along walls, in narrow alleys, or in sorting programs where users need a clear, controlled front to avoid contamination. Maintenance matters too: if a multi-side bin is overflowing or dirty, people will avoid it no matter how easy the opening is.
So the practical answer is: 360-degree urban trash cans often get more use than single-side ones in open, busy environments, but only when placement, capacity, signage, and servicing support the design. Cities shouldn’t treat the opening style as a magic fix; they should test it in real locations and compare litter, fill rates, and contamination.