That's an excellent question that gets to the heart of urban infrastructure challenges. Modern public trash bins are surprisingly resilient, though their performance depends heavily on material quality and design.
In freezing conditions, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bins remain flexible down to -50°C, preventing the cracking that affects cheaper plastics. Metal components feature special coatings to resist salt corrosion, while smart bins with compactors often include heating elements to prevent mechanical freeze-ups. The real test comes with repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which quality bins withstand through reinforced structural design.
During heatwaves, UV-stabilized materials prevent fading and degradation, while dark-colored bins often incorporate heat-reflective additives to prevent melting or warping. Ventilation systems in many modern designs reduce internal temperatures and prevent odor buildup. In desert cities, you'll find bins with additional heat resistance ratings up to 80°C.
The most durable options typically combine polymer bodies with stainless steel fittings, tested across multiple climate zones. Municipalities in extreme climates increasingly specify temperature ratings when purchasing, recognizing that proper bin selection reduces long-term replacement costs significantly. So while no bin is completely indestructible, today's urban waste solutions are engineered to handle much more than just everyday weather fluctuations.