You've asked a great question that touches on modern urban design! Yes, specialized trash cans with integrated sandboxes or compartments for cigarette butts are becoming more common in cities worldwide. These units are designed to address a specific public cleanliness and safety challenge.
The typical design features a dedicated metal or heat-resistant container, often filled with sand or a mineral-based aggregate, attached to the side or top of a standard litter bin. The sand serves several purposes: it extinguishes the ember immediately, prevents lingering odors, and contains the waste neatly. This separation also makes collection and recycling of cigarette filters easier for municipal services.
You'll find these hybrid bins in areas with high foot traffic and smoking, like outside office buildings, transit stations, bars, and public parks. They represent a smart fusion of two essential street furniture items, saving space and encouraging proper disposal. The main benefits are clear: reduced fire risk from hot ash being tossed into regular waste, cleaner sidewalks (as people are less likely to toss butts on the ground if a proper receptacle is handy), and often a more aesthetically pleasing streetscape compared to standalone ashtrays overflowing with waste.
While not yet on every corner, their adoption is a positive step toward more thoughtful and functional urban infrastructure. If you're looking for one in your city, check busy commercial districts or designated outdoor smoking areas.