Honestly, it depends on where you live, but I’d start with your city’s 311 service if it has one. Search for “[your city] 311 broken trash bin” or “[your city] report public trash can,” and you’ll usually find a hotline, mobile app, or online service request form. If your city doesn’t use 311, check the official website for the sanitation department, public works, or parks department, since one of those offices usually handles public bins.
When you report it, be as specific as possible. Give the exact location, nearest street address or landmark, and any bin ID number if there is one. Take a photo if the form allows it, and describe the problem clearly—broken lid, missing wheel, cracked body, overflowing trash, sharp edges, or a bin blocking the sidewalk. Ask for a service request number or ticket ID so you can follow up.
If the bin is in a park, on a university campus, outside an apartment building, or in a shopping district, it may not be the city’s responsibility. In those cases, contact the parks office, campus facilities team, property manager, or business improvement district. If it’s a health or safety issue, say so clearly when you report it. If nothing happens after a week or two, follow up with the same request number and, if needed, contact your local council member or neighborhood association. Just don’t try to move or fix a damaged public bin yourself, especially if it’s near traffic or overflowing.