That's a really interesting and practical question. The short and direct answer is no, you cannot legally lock a public, municipal trash bin for your private, exclusive use.
These bins, whether on city sidewalks, in parks, or at public facilities, are purchased and maintained with public funds—taxpayer money. They are considered public property, intended for use by all residents and visitors to dispose of incidental waste. Locking one essentially converts public property into your personal asset, which is not allowed.
You might see this sometimes behind a restaurant or a small business trying to prevent others from filling their assigned commercial bin. However, for standard city bins, using a lock would be considered a form of theft of services or vandalism. It could lead to fines from your local public works or sanitation department.
The core issue here is often about convenience or a need for private waste disposal. Perhaps you're managing a renovation project, a small event, or have recurring household overflow. The proper solution is not to commandeer public infrastructure. Instead, you should contact your local waste management authority or a private waste removal company. They can provide options like renting a temporary dumpster (roll-off container) or scheduling a special bulk pickup for a fee. This is the legal, responsible, and neighborly way to handle extra waste.
So, while the idea might seem like a quick fix, locking a public bin is against the rules. It's important to use the proper channels for private waste needs to keep the system fair and functional for everyone in the community.