That's an excellent and practical question! The short answer is: yes, many urban-style trash cans can absolutely be used indoors in shopping malls, but with some important considerations.
Urban public trash cans are designed for durability, high capacity, and ease of maintenance—all qualities that are also valuable in busy indoor commercial spaces. Their robust construction can withstand heavy foot traffic common in malls. However, the direct transition isn't always perfect. For indoor use, aesthetics and integration with interior design become crucial. A sleek, powder-coated metal or matte-finished bin might work well, while a heavily branded or overly utilitarian municipal bin might clash with a mall's ambiance.
Functionality is key. Shopping malls require efficient waste segregation (often for recycling and general waste), so bins with multiple, clearly labeled compartments are ideal. Odor control, often via closed lids or liners, is more critical indoors than on a street corner. Size also matters; bins must be large enough to handle peak shopping periods but not so bulky that they obstruct walkways.
Ultimately, many manufacturers now produce "urban-inspired" bins specifically for commercial indoor use. These combine the toughness of public bins with refined designs, better materials, and features tailored for indoor environments. So, while a bin taken directly from a city sidewalk might not be the perfect fit, the concept and functional design of urban trash cans are absolutely applicable and beneficial for indoor shopping mall use.