That's a great question about a piece of urban infrastructure we often take for granted! The difference really comes down to design and materials built to withstand intentional abuse. A standard bin might be a simple plastic or thin-gauge metal can. A vandal-proof version, however, is engineered for resilience.
First, the materials are tougher. Think heavy-duty, welded stainless steel or reinforced, thick polymer composites that resist cutting, cracking, and impact. Next, the construction is integral. Lids are often attached with tamper-resistant, concealed hinges that can't be easily ripped off. The entire unit is frequently bolted directly to a concrete foundation or a heavy steel plate, making it nearly impossible to tip over or steal.
Openings are also strategic. They might be narrow slots or covered with a sturdy, angled flap, preventing people from reaching in to pull trash out or from dumping in large, improper items. Finally, finishes matter. Many use powder-coated or graffiti-resistant coatings that allow paint and markers to be easily pressure-washed away, removing the "canvas" for vandals.
In essence, while a standard bin is for containing waste, a vandal-proof bin is a fortress designed to contain waste *and* deter the costly cycle of damage, graffiti, and repair that plagues public spaces. It's less about being indestructible and more about being so inconvenient and unrewarding to damage that vandals simply move on.