URBAN TRASH CANS

That's an excellent question! As someone who's watched many public bins gradually turn from vibrant green to pale mint over the years, I can confirm that yes, direct sunlight absolutely causes fading on urban trash cans. The plastic polymers used in most municipal bins undergo photodegradation when exposed to UV radiation. This breaks down the chemical bonds in color pigments, particularly affecting darker shades like deep blues and forest greens. Modern bins often include UV inhibitors mixed into the plastic resin, but these typically only delay rather than prevent fading entirely. The rate depends on your climate - bins in Arizona will fade much faster than those in Washington. Powder-coated metal cans generally maintain color better than plastic ones. If you're maintaining public bins, consider placing them in partially shaded areas when possible, and look for manufacturers offering UV-protective coatings for extended color retention.