Yes, urban trash cans can be solar-powered for lighting at night, and some already are—but it works best when the bin is designed as a complete system rather than a normal can with a panel bolted on. A small photovoltaic panel on the lid, side, or a nearby pole charges a battery during the day; at dusk, a controller powers efficient LEDs. Motion sensors can brighten the light when someone approaches and dim it otherwise, which saves energy and reduces light pollution.
The idea is practical for parks, bus stops, waterfronts, campus paths, and other places where running electrical cable is expensive or disruptive. Solar lighting can improve visibility, make bins easier to find, and support safer public spaces. Some smart bins also use the same power for fill-level sensors or compactors, so lighting is only one part of the value.
The limits matter, though. Shade from trees or buildings, dirty panels, snow, short winter days, and high-latitude locations can reduce charging. Batteries must be sized for cloudy stretches, and cheap components often fail in heat, rain, or vandalism. The bin also needs a robust controller, weatherproof wiring, and a battery that can handle daily cycling. A bin in deep shade is usually a poor candidate unless it can be grid-connected or placed with a separate solar light pole.
For a reliable design, I would use a durable PV panel that is easy to clean, a lithium iron phosphate battery for safety and cycle life, an MPPT charge controller, and LEDs with dusk-to-dawn and motion settings. The panel should face the best sun direction and be tilted enough to shed rain and dust. All electronics should be locked and rated for outdoor use. Maintenance crews need simple access for cleaning panels, checking battery health, and replacing parts. It is also smart to keep the lighting modest—enough to see the bin and the ground around it, not so bright that it glares into homes or costs more energy than necessary.
Cost is another factor. Solar bins usually cost more upfront than ordinary bins, but they can avoid trenching and electricity bills. They make the most sense where grid power is hard to reach, where the bin has strong sun exposure, and where the city can commit to maintenance. In dense downtowns with reliable power, a grid-connected or solar-hybrid bin may be more sensible. In short, yes: solar-powered trash cans can light up at night, but they are not a universal drop-in solution. They work well when solar access, battery capacity, durability, and maintenance are planned together.