Yes, many modern urban trash cans are specifically designed to be very difficult to tip over. This is a key consideration for city planners and public space managers, as tipped-over bins create litter, require frequent maintenance, and can be a sign of vandalism or disorder.
The most common feature that prevents tipping is a low center of gravity, often achieved through a heavy, weighted base. You'll see this in many heavy-duty steel or concrete bins common in parks, transit stations, and downtown areas. The weight at the bottom makes it incredibly difficult for a person to lift and overturn them.
Another highly effective design is the anchored or bolted-down bin. These are permanently fixed to a concrete foundation or the pavement itself. This is the ultimate solution for high-wind areas or locations with persistent vandalism issues, as they cannot be moved or tipped without serious tools and effort.
The shape and structure also play a big role. Cylindrical or dome-shaped designs are inherently more stable than tall, rectangular ones because they distribute force more evenly and offer no easy leverage points. Furthermore, many are now made from a single, seamless piece of molded polymer or metal, which adds to their overall structural integrity and makes them harder to break apart.
Finally, features like side-tilt mechanisms for emptying, where the entire bin doesn't need to be lifted, and anti-vandalism designs with smooth, un-grabbable surfaces, also contribute to their stability. So, while no public bin is completely impervious to a determined effort with a vehicle, the standard designs you encounter in well-managed cities are remarkably resilient to casual tipping.