That's an excellent question about a very practical issue in public space management. Yes, specialized outdoor trash cans with smaller openings are indeed a common and effective tool to discourage illegal dumping. The logic is straightforward: by limiting the aperture size, these bins prevent people from disposing of oversized bags of household garbage, construction debris, or other large items that constitute illegal dumping. Instead, they encourage proper use for smaller, everyday litter like food wrappers, coffee cups, and soda cans.
You'll often see these designs in parks, on street corners, and in high-traffic urban areas. They are typically robust, anchored units. The smaller opening is a form of "target hardening," making the undesirable action more difficult. It subtly guides behavior toward the intended use. For larger waste, the strategy points users toward official bulk drop-off locations or scheduled pickup services, which is the proper channel.
While highly effective, it's part of a broader system. Good signage, regular maintenance to prevent overflow, and community education are crucial companions to this physical design. The goal isn't to inconvenience legitimate users but to protect public areas from becoming unsanitary and costly dumping sites. So, next time you see a bin with a modest opening, know it's a thoughtfully designed soldier in the ongoing effort to keep our shared spaces clean.