That's an excellent and very practical question! Yes, absolutely. While not on every street corner, trash cans with built-in screens or other windproof features are becoming more common, especially in windy cities, coastal areas, and well-maintained public parks.
The design you're describing often features a metal grate or mesh screen installed just below the opening of the bin. This screen allows people to drop in trash—like coffee cups, food wrappers, and yes, loose paper—but traps the lighter items inside, preventing them from being caught by the wind and becoming litter. It's a simple but effective solution.
Beyond screens, you might see other clever designs:
* Hooded or slotted openings: These create a windbreak and make it harder for trash to escape.
* Internal flaps or lids: Some bins have a weighted or spring-loaded internal flap that closes after use.
* Perforated inner liners: Similar to a screen, these liners allow air to flow through while containing lightweight debris.
These specialized bins are part of a larger focus on "litter control" and "smart city" waste management. They address a real problem: wind-scattered trash is not only unsightly but also harmful to the environment and costly to clean up. So, next time you're in a plaza or park, take a closer look at the trash cans. You might just spot one of these handy, screen-equipped guardians against urban litter.