That's a great question that makes you look at the cityscape a little differently! If you take a walk through most major downtown areas, you'll likely notice a clear winner: dark green is arguably the most popular color, with black being a very close second.
The choice isn't random. Dark green, often a forest or hunter green, has become a staple for several practical reasons. It's a neutral, natural tone that blends well with urban parks, tree-lined streets, and historic districts without being visually jarring. It effectively conceals minor scuffs, dirt, and fading from constant sun exposure better than lighter colors. Psychologically, it subtly associates with "environment" or "recycling," even for general waste.
Black is equally popular for similar reasons—it's sleek, modern, and excellent at hiding stains and wear. You'll see it frequently in very contemporary business districts or upscale shopping areas where a minimalist look is preferred.
You might occasionally spot dark brown, charcoal gray, or even specific colors for recycling streams (like blue for paper). But for the standard, ubiquitous public litter bin, the humble dark green and black bins are the unsung, practical workhorses of downtown cleanliness. Their popularity is a quiet lesson in urban design: sometimes, the best color is the one you don't really notice.