That's an excellent and practical question! The short answer is: generally, yes, modern urban trash bins are designed with power washing in mind, but the ease depends heavily on the bin's design, material, and your technique.
Most public trash receptacles in cities today are made from durable, smooth materials like molded plastic, powder-coated steel, or stainless steel. These surfaces are ideal for power washing. Grime, sticky residues, and general debris blast off relatively easily with a medium-pressure stream. The typical dome-lid designs and rounded corners also help, as there are fewer sharp crevices for gunk to get trapped in.
However, it's not always effortless. Bins with complex openings, internal mechanisms (like compactors), or significant surface damage can be tricky. Deep scratches or dents can harbor bacteria and require more focused cleaning. The key is using the right equipment—a commercial-grade pressure washer with an adjustable PSI (around 1500-2500 PSI is often sufficient) and a wide-angle nozzle (like a 25 or 40-degree tip) to avoid damaging the bin. Using hot water or a mild detergent can dramatically improve results on greasy waste.
For city maintenance crews, power washing is a game-changer for speed and hygiene. They can clean dozens of bins quickly, using high-temperature units that also sanitize. For a homeowner or business cleaning their own bin, a standard electric pressure washer works well. Always empty the bin completely first and allow it to dry thoroughly afterward to prevent mildew.
So, while the design of urban bins facilitates power washing, the true "ease" comes from using the correct pressure, nozzle, and a bit of know-how to get them truly clean and sanitized.