That's an excellent and practical question! It's something most people don't think about until they see an overflowing bin after a storm. The short answer is: yes, modern urban trash cans are specifically designed to handle heavy rain, and drainage is a critical part of their engineering.
Most contemporary public litter bins, especially the larger, durable ones made from metal or heavy-duty plastic, incorporate drainage holes at their base. These holes are strategically placed and sized to allow rainwater to escape without letting significant litter fall out. This prevents the bin from becoming a heavy, waterlogged container that's difficult to empty and stops it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The design goes beyond just holes. Many feature a concave or sloped bottom that channels water toward the drain points. The materials themselves are often corrosion-resistant, like powder-coated steel or UV-stabilized polymers, to withstand constant wet-dry cycles. For bins with liners, the bag often sits above the drainage level, keeping the actual waste drier.
In some smart city designs, bins in flood-prone areas might have elevated bases or larger drainage systems. The primary goal is to manage liquid ingress, reduce overall weight for collection crews, and maintain public hygiene. So, next time it pours, you can know that the humble street bin is quietly doing its job, thanks to some thoughtful engineering hidden just out of sight.