Yes, they do exist—but you won’t see them on every street corner yet. In cities, there are smart waste bins and automated sorting stations that use computer vision, sensors, and sometimes robotic arms or conveyor systems to tell recyclables apart from general waste. Some AI-powered bins in airports, campuses, offices, and pilot city projects can open the right compartment or physically move items into the correct stream. Larger reverse vending machines and robotic sorting units can also collect, compact, and separate cans, bottles, and mixed waste.
That said, most ordinary public trash cans are still manual. Fully automatic separation on a sidewalk is tricky because bins need power, connectivity, maintenance, and protection from weather and vandalism. They also have to deal with contamination—greasy food containers, bagged waste, and odd items can confuse sensors or jam machines. Cost and capacity are major barriers too. So today, automatic sorting is more common in controlled settings like buildings, events, campuses, and pilot programs than in everyday street furniture.
In short: yes, urban trash cans that separate recyclables automatically exist, but they are still niche. The bigger trend right now is smart bins that guide people to sort correctly, monitor fill levels, and help cities collect waste more efficiently—not fully robotic bins replacing every street corner can just yet.