That's a great question, and it really depends on where you live and what kind of wildlife you're dealing with. In many suburban and rural areas across North America, especially where bears, raccoons, or coyotes are common, locking or latched lids on trash bins are becoming the standard, not just a luxury. It's often driven by local ordinances aimed at preventing human-wildlife conflicts. A bear or raccoon that learns to associate people with easy food becomes a danger to itself and the community.
For residential use, you'll find a wide range of "animal-proof" bins at hardware stores. These typically feature sturdy latches, sometimes requiring a tool or a specific motion to open, that clever paws can't easily manipulate. In bear country, certified "bear-resistant" containers with complex locking mechanisms are frequently mandated.
In public spaces like parks, apartment complexes, and downtown areas, heavy-duty commercial bins with locking bars or tamper-proof lids are increasingly common. They not only deter animals but also help control litter from overflowing bins.
So, while not *universally* common everywhere, in regions with active scavengers, locking lids have moved from being an occasional feature to a necessary and expected part of responsible waste management. They are a key tool in keeping neighborhoods clean and wildlife wild.