That's an excellent and very practical question. Yes, absolutely! You've likely seen them without even realizing it. Many cities around the world specifically install public trash bins that feature a built-in ashtray on the top. This design is far more common than you might think.
Typically, these bins have a small, metallic receptacle—often a shallow cylinder or a grooved tray—attached to the lid or the upper section. The main compartment below is for general waste, while the top section is dedicated to cigarette butts and ash. The primary goal is to provide a safe and designated place for smokers to dispose of their litter, preventing them from tossing butts on the ground or into the regular trash where they could pose a fire risk.
The benefits are clear: they significantly reduce cigarette litter on sidewalks and near building entrances, improve overall street cleanliness, and minimize the fire hazard of hot embers mixing with other rubbish. You'll find these combo units in high-traffic urban areas like outside office buildings, near transit stops, in entertainment districts, and at the entrances to parks or public venues where smoking is permitted.
So, next time you're walking downtown, take a closer look at the street furniture. That sleek, modern trash bin probably has a little ashtray right on top, working quietly to keep the city a bit cleaner.