That's an excellent question, and it's one that many homeowners don't consider until they're faced with a smelly, warped bin. The short answer is that for a sunny location, a light-colored outdoor trash can is almost always the better choice. Here’s a more detailed look at why.
The core issue is heat absorption. Dark colors absorb a much wider spectrum of sunlight, converting that light energy into heat. A dark gray or black trash can left in the summer sun can become hot enough to be uncomfortable to touch. This intense heat accelerates the breakdown of plastic, making it brittle over time and shortening the lifespan of your can. More immediately, that heat acts like an oven for your garbage, rapidly speeding up the decomposition process and significantly intensifying odors. It can also attract more pests like flies, raccoons, and other animals drawn to the smell.
Light-colored trash cans, particularly white, beige, or light gray, reflect a large portion of the sun's rays. This means they stay significantly cooler. Your garbage remains at a more ambient temperature, which helps to suppress odors and slow down the bacterial activity that causes them. The plastic itself is also spared from the extreme thermal stress, which helps the can maintain its structural integrity for longer.
While a dark can might be chosen for its ability to hide stains, the practical drawbacks in a sunny spot are considerable. The benefit of a cleaner appearance is quickly outweighed by the potent smells and potential for heat damage. Therefore, for a bin that will spend its life in full sun, opting for a light color is a simple and effective way to ensure better odor control, fewer pests, and a longer-lasting product.