That's an excellent and practical question many city residents and maintenance workers consider. The short answer is: technically yes, but it's often not the most effective or durable solution for public urban bins.
Standard kitchen-style plastic bags can be used in a pinch for lining smaller indoor or controlled outdoor bins. However, for heavy-duty public trash receptacles on streets, in parks, or at transit stops, they present several issues. These bags are typically thin and can easily tear from sharp debris, heavy items, or during collection. They also may not fit the odd shapes and larger sizes of many commercial bins, leading to slipping and mess.
Most city sanitation departments recommend or use specifically designed bin liners. These are usually made from thicker, more durable plastic (often high-density polyethylene) and come in standardized sizes to fit common public bin models. They are more puncture-resistant and better suited for the varied and heavy waste found in public spaces.
A key consideration is cost-effectiveness. While standard bags seem cheaper upfront, frequent ruptures lead to higher labor costs for cleaning and bag replacement. Dedicated liners, though more expensive per unit, often prove cheaper long-term by reducing maintenance.
Ultimately, for a home or office bin, a standard bag is perfectly fine. For the demands of an urban public environment, investing in purpose-made, heavy-duty liners is the wiser choice for hygiene, efficiency, and overall cost management.