That's a great question, and it's something many cities think about a lot. The short answer is: many modern urban trash cans are indeed designed to be resistant to graffiti, but it's not a universal standard.
You'll find that in many cities, especially those that have struggled with vandalism, public works departments have shifted towards specifying trash cans made from materials or with coatings that make graffiti removal much easier. Common solutions include:
- Special Coatings: Many bins have a non-porous, smooth coating, often a polyurethane or powder-coated finish. Graffiti, especially from spray paint, doesn't penetrate this surface as easily and can be wiped off with a specialized solvent without damaging the underlying finish.
- Material Choice: Stainless steel is a popular choice not just for its sleek look but because its smooth surface allows for relatively easy graffiti removal. Some plastics are also manufactured with a similar non-stick property.
- Dark Colors and Patterns: While not truly "resistant," bins in darker colors or with complex, mottled patterns can make graffiti less visually prominent and thus less appealing to vandals.
So, while a trash can might not be completely "graffiti-proof," a significant number in urban environments are now "graffiti-resistant" or "graffiti-removable." The goal is to reduce the visual impact quickly and lower the long-term maintenance costs for the city, helping to keep our public spaces looking cleaner for everyone.