That's an excellent and quite specific question! You're likely referring to public trash receptacles that have a dedicated, sand-filled container attached for safely extinguishing and disposing of cigarette butts. Yes, these units do exist and are becoming more common in urban design, though their prevalence varies by city and local ordinances.
You'll often find them in areas with high foot traffic where smoking is permitted outdoors, such as near building entrances (in jurisdictions that require them), outside bars and restaurants, in public parks, on certain street corners, and in transportation hubs. The design is typically integrated: a standard trash bin for general waste with a smaller, cylindrical or cup-shaped metal attachment filled with fine sand or a non-combustible granular material. This sand provides a safe medium to snuff out cigarettes completely, preventing fires in the main trash compartment and reducing litter.
The primary purpose is twofold: to provide a convenient and responsible option for smokers, thereby reducing the number of cigarette butts tossed on the ground, and to mitigate fire risks. From a city management perspective, they are considered a tool for litter control and public space maintenance. If you're looking to install one or find them in your area, searching for "public ashtray bins," "cigarette waste receptacles," or "litter bins with integrated sand urns" from municipal suppliers or street furniture companies will yield the best results. Their adoption is a clear step towards more thoughtful urban sanitation solutions.