That's an excellent and often overlooked question! It's something most people don't think about until they see a faded, brittle public bin. The good news is that modern urban trash cans are specifically engineered to handle constant sun exposure much better than they used to.
Gone are the days of simple, untreated plastics. Today's bins are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, which are inherently more UV-stable. But the real secret is in the additives. Manufacturers mix in UV inhibitors and stabilizers during the molding process. These compounds act like a "sunscreen" for the plastic, absorbing and scattering the sun's harmful rays before they can break down the polymer chains.
You'll also notice many bins, especially in metal, have a powder-coated finish. This coating isn't just for color; it provides a thick, protective layer that shields the metal underneath from UV degradation and rust. For plastic bins, darker colors like forest green, black, or dark brown often contain more carbon pigments, which naturally absorb UV light and protect the material's integrity.
However, they aren't indestructible. Over many years, even the best-protected bins will show signs of weathering, like slight fading or a chalky feel on the surface. Maintenance teams schedule replacements based on this gradual wear. So, while your city's trash cans are quietly fighting a daily battle against the sun, their advanced materials and coatings are what keep them sturdy and functional season after season. It's a small but crucial part of durable urban infrastructure.