That's a great and very practical question! It shows you're thinking about the real-world wear and tear these public workhorses endure. Yes, modern urban trash bins absolutely have specific reinforced areas targeted to withstand the points most prone to cracking or failure.
The most common high-stress zones are around the hinge and lid attachment points. The constant slamming open and closing, sometimes forcefully, puts tremendous stress on the plastic here. Manufacturers often use thicker material, embedded metal plates, or specially designed dual-pin hinges in these areas.
Another critical spot is the bottom interior and corners, especially for heavy loads like glass or construction debris. You'll frequently find ribbing, thicker walls, or a reinforced base plate to prevent the bin from buckling or cracking under weight.
The lift points or handles are also reinforced. Whether it's for automated truck arms or manual handling by sanitation workers, these areas bear the full weight of the bin and its contents. They are designed with extra material or molded structural supports.
Finally, the sidewalls near the top opening can be vulnerable when people overstuff bins or apply pressure. Many designs incorporate a raised, thicker collar or rim around the opening for added rigidity.
So, while a bin might look like a simple shell, its design is quite strategic, with material and thickness varied precisely to combat the most likely failure points from daily public use.