That's an excellent question that gets to the heart of urban infrastructure durability. The short answer is: it depends entirely on the materials they're made from.
Modern public trash cans are designed with maintenance in mind. Stainless steel bins, particularly those made from 304 or 316 grades, are highly resistant to the bleach and disinfectant solutions commonly used by sanitation crews. Their non-porous surface doesn't degrade easily, and they can handle frequent, aggressive cleaning.
Heavy-duty plastic bins, like those made from HDPE, also hold up well. They're formulated to resist corrosion from chemicals that would quickly ruin lesser materials. You'll often find a powder-coated finish on metal bins, which acts as a protective shield, preventing the harsh chemicals from reaching and corroding the base metal underneath.
However, not all bins are created equal. Cheaper, thin plastic or poorly galvanized steel cans can indeed become brittle, faded, or rusted after repeated exposure to strong cleaners. The key is that municipalities and contractors specify bins designed for this exact purpose—durable, chemical-resistant, and built for the long haul in our demanding urban environments. So, while the cleaning chemicals are tough, the right trash cans are even tougher.