That's a great and very practical question! The short answer is: Yes, in most cases, the lids on urban trash bins can be replaced if they break. However, the process depends entirely on who owns the bin and the type of bin you have.
For residential bins provided by your city or waste hauler, the lid is usually considered part of the container. If it cracks, gets damaged, or goes missing, you should not attempt a DIY repair with random materials. Instead, contact your local municipal waste department or your contracted waste collection company directly. They typically have a process for reporting damaged bins and will either repair, replace the lid, or exchange the entire unit at no cost to you, as you're essentially renting the bin from them.
For commercial dumpsters and roll carts (like those behind businesses or apartment complexes), the same principle applies but through a commercial contract. The property manager or business owner should contact their waste service provider to request a repair or replacement. These companies maintain parts for common models.
Now, if you own the trash bin yourself (like a personal can from a home improvement store), then replacement is straightforward. You can often purchase universal replacement lids that fit standard can diameters, or contact the manufacturer for an exact model-specific part.
A quick DIY tip for minor hinge or corner cracks is using heavy-duty plastic repair epoxy or sturdy straps, but this is usually a temporary fix. For safety, cleanliness, and to prevent animal access, a properly fitting lid is essential. So, don't live with a broken lid—reach out to the responsible service provider for a proper solution.