That's an excellent and practical question. As someone who's observed municipal infrastructure for years, I can say modern plastic bins hold up surprisingly well, but their performance entirely depends on the quality of materials and design.
Gone are the days of flimsy, single-layer plastic bins that would crack in the first frost. Today's high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene bins are engineered for resilience. In scorching heat and constant UV exposure, high-quality resins include UV inhibitors that prevent the plastic from becoming brittle and fading drastically. Think of it like sunscreen for your bin. Cheap bins, however, will degrade quickly, becoming discolored and prone to cracking.
Against freezing cold and snow, plastic's inherent flexibility is an advantage over metal. A well-made bin won't become dangerously brittle until temperatures plunge far below typical winter lows. The main issue isn't the cold itself, but physical stress from ice buildup inside or being knocked over when frozen to the ground.
High winds and storms are the real test of design. Bins with a low center of gravity, weighted bottoms, or secure lid-locking mechanisms fare best. Flimsy, lightweight bins become urban tumbleweeds. Heavy rain isn't a problem for the material itself, but proper drainage holes are crucial to prevent waterlogging and becoming a mosquito breeding site.
The weak points are often the mechanical parts: hinges, lids, and wheels. In extreme temperature cycles, these components experience the most stress and are usually the first to fail, especially on lower-tier models.
So, the honest answer? A premium, rotationally-molded plastic bin from a reputable manufacturer can easily last 5-10 years even in harsh climates. A cheap, thin-walled bin might not survive two seasons. For cities and homeowners, investing in bins rated for outdoor and "all-weather" use is key. They are a testament to material science, reliably containing our waste while braving the elements.