Honestly, it depends. Open-top bins don’t automatically create more litter, but they can make existing problems worse. Because people can see and reach the opening easily, they may toss in bulky items or leave bags beside the bin when it looks full. Wind, rain, birds, and stray animals can then pull or blow waste out, especially on busy streets where bins fill quickly. In that sense, an open top can turn a full bin into a litter source.
That said, closed bins aren’t a magic fix. If they are dirty, hard to use, or collected too rarely, people may still dump trash outside them. The bigger issue is usually waste management: how often bins are emptied, where they are placed, how many are available, and whether street cleaning keeps up. A well-placed open bin that is emptied often may perform better than an overflowing closed bin.
In my view, open-top urban trash bins can cause more litter when they are poorly managed, but the open top alone isn’t the main villain. Cities should test designs, increase collection during peak hours, add secure lids or smaller openings where needed, and keep bins from overflowing. If that happens, open-top bins can be convenient without becoming a litter problem.