That's a great question, and yes, absolutely! Cities and designers are getting much smarter about this. The old, simple open-top bin often became a litter magnet itself. Now, many urban areas are implementing cans with specific features to contain waste and discourage people from tossing trash nearby.
A key design is the targeted aperture bin. Instead of a wide opening, these have a slot just for bottles or a small hole for general waste, making it physically harder to casually throw bags or large items on top. Another clever type is the cylindrical "top-loading" bin with a rotating lid. You push your trash in, and it falls inside, preventing overflow and hiding the contents from view, which is less inviting for adding more waste around it.
Technology is playing a big role too. "Smart" solar-compacting bins use sensors to crush the trash inside, allowing them to hold up to 8 times more waste. This drastically reduces overflow, which is a primary cause of surrounding litter. Some models even send alerts when they need emptying.
Finally, the placement and context matter. Integrating bins into comfortable, well-maintained public spaces with clear signage creates a sense of care. When an area looks tidy and the bin is easy to use, people are more likely to use it properly. The goal is to make the right choice—using the bin—the easiest and most obvious one.