That's a great question! As someone who's dealt with municipal maintenance, I can tell you that most modern urban trash cans are actually designed with pressure washing in mind. The smooth, rounded interiors and durable polymer materials common in contemporary models allow for quick and efficient cleaning. Many feature drainage holes at the bottom and seamless construction that prevents debris from getting trapped in corners.
The key is using the appropriate pressure setting - too high and you might damage the surface or splash contaminated water everywhere, too low and you won't achieve proper sanitation. Most public works departments use medium-pressure settings with hot water and occasionally disinfectant solutions. The process typically takes just 1-2 minutes per bin when done by experienced crews.
That said, older metal bins or those with complex mechanisms can present challenges. Rust, dents, and internal components might require additional manual cleaning. Regular maintenance schedules ensure bins stay hygienic without excessive wear from aggressive cleaning methods.