That's a great question, and it's something more and more city planners are thinking about. Yes, absolutely! Many modern urban trash bins are specifically designed to discourage people from leaving large items next to them. It's a clever mix of psychology and practical design.
The most common feature you'll see is a clear, prominent opening that is only large enough for standard bagged trash or drink containers. Think of a slim vertical slot or a rounded opening. This physically signals what the bin is for and makes it visually awkward and impractical to place a bulky item like a box or bag of clothes against it. The message is clear: "I am for small, everyday waste."
Some designs take it further with integrated "anti-dumping" or "anti-sleeping" bars. These are metal bars or curved hoods installed over or around the top of the bin. While their primary function might be to prevent people from using the bin as a bed or seat, they also create an overhang that makes leaning large items against the bin unstable and difficult.
The latest innovation involves "smart" bins. These compactors have sensors and can send alerts when they are full. Crucially, their design is often a sealed, sturdy unit with no obvious ledges or spaces around the base where items could be tucked. A full bin that can't accept more waste is a common trigger for dumping, so ensuring constant capacity via compaction and timely collection is a key deterrent.
Ultimately, the goal isn't just to block behavior but to guide it. These bins are often paired with clear signage directing people to proper bulk item drop-off locations or special collection services. By making the correct action the easiest one, these thoughtfully designed bins help keep our sidewalks cleaner and safer for everyone.