That's an excellent question! When it comes to residential outdoor trash cans, there's a clear winner in the popularity contest: dark, neutral colors. If you take a walk through most suburban neighborhoods, you'll likely see a sea of dark gray, forest green, and black bins lining the curbs on trash day.
So, why do these colors dominate the landscape? There are several practical reasons. First and foremost, dark colors are excellent at hiding stains, spills, and general wear and tear. A black or dark gray bin doesn't show dirt, grime, or faded patches from the sun as easily as a lighter-colored one would. This helps them maintain a cleaner appearance for longer, even with weekly use.
Secondly, these neutral tones are chosen for their discretion and ability to blend in with the environment. Dark greens and browns can recede visually against landscaping, while grays and blacks are unobtrusive against pavement and house sidings. Most homeowners' associations (HOAs) actually recommend or even require these subdued colors to maintain a uniform and tidy streetscape.
While you might see the occasional brown or beige bin, bright colors like red, blue, or white are far less common for mainstream residential use. They tend to show dirt more readily and can be visually distracting. So, for a combination of practicality, durability, and aesthetics, the humble dark-colored trash can remains the undisputed champion for homes.