Short answer: yes, you can chain urban trash cans together to make them harder to steal, but it is usually only a partial solution. Chaining two or more bins together can stop someone from casually walking off with a single lightweight bin, and it can also make the bins harder to tip over or move during vandalism. In practice, though, a chain is only as strong as its weakest point: a determined thief can cut a cheap chain, break a plastic handle, or remove the lid and other parts. That is why many cities see chaining as a low-cost deterrent rather than a complete anti-theft strategy.
If you are considering chaining public trash cans, use heavy-duty welded chain or stainless steel cable, tamper-resistant locks, and reinforced connection points. Avoid attaching the chain to flimsy plastic handles or lids, because those parts can fail quickly. It is often better to anchor each bin to a fixed post, concrete base, or ground plate rather than simply linking bins to each other. If bins must be chained together, keep the chain short enough to limit movement but long enough for collection crews to empty and service the bins safely. Consider visibility and trip hazards too; a chain stretched across a sidewalk can create a liability risk, especially at night or for people with mobility impairments.
You also need to check local regulations, collection contracts, and fire or accessibility rules before modifying public bins. Some waste crews need to separate bins during pickup, and a chain system that slows them down may end up being removed. In many urban settings, the most effective approach is layered: secure bins to fixed anchors, use locking lids or heavy bases, place bins in well-lit and monitored areas, and add GPS trackers or smart sensors where theft and vandalism are serious problems. So, chaining urban trash cans together can help prevent opportunistic theft, but it should be part of a broader, well-designed public bin security plan rather than the only measure.