That's a great and very observant question! Yes, absolutely. Many cities around the world are increasingly using public trash cans with deliberately smaller openings as a strategic tool in urban waste management. You've likely seen them without even realizing the specific design intent.
The primary goal is to discourage people from improperly disposing of large, bulky items like household bags of garbage, cardboard boxes, or even small pieces of furniture. When the opening is only large enough for typical street-level litter—a coffee cup, a food wrapper, a bottle—it becomes physically impossible to stuff in a big kitchen trash bag. This helps keep the public bin from overflowing prematurely and reduces operational costs for sanitation crews who would otherwise have to collect it constantly.
This design works hand-in-hand with policies that require large item disposal through official channels, like scheduled pick-ups or designated drop-off centers. It’s not about inconvenience for the sake of it; it’s about guiding behavior to maintain cleaner sidewalks and public spaces. You'll often find these bins in high-foot-traffic downtown areas, parks, and near transit stations. So, next time you see a trash can with a modest slot or a rounded opening, know it’s a small but clever design choice making a big difference in keeping the city tidy.