That's an interesting and very practical question about city life! While I understand the thinking behind it – perhaps to prevent bins from being blown over or moved – the short answer is generally no, you shouldn't chain public trash bins to a bike rack. Here’s a natural, real-world breakdown of why and what to consider instead.
First, bike racks are installed for a specific public purpose: securing bicycles. Using them to anchor other items, even municipal bins, can create accessibility and safety issues. It might block proper use of the rack for cyclists, potentially creating a tripping hazard or obstructing the sidewalk. City maintenance crews also need to move bins for emptying and cleaning, so permanently securing them would hinder essential services.
From a practical standpoint, most standard city trash bins aren't designed with a secure anchor point that would work well with a bike lock chain. Attempting to chain one could damage the bin's structure. The material (often plastic or thin metal) might crack or warp under the stress of a locked chain, especially in different weather conditions.
If you're a resident or business owner concerned about bins tipping over in a windy area, a better approach is to contact your local public works or sanitation department. They can often provide heavier, more stable bins or suggest approved, secure placements. For private property, using weighted bases or specially designed anchored bin housings are safer, more effective solutions.
So, while the idea comes from a good place of wanting to keep public spaces neat, chaining bins to bike racks usually isn't the right method. It's better to rely on and report issues to the professionals who manage this specific part of our urban infrastructure.