That's a great question, and one I've thought about a lot after my own bright blue bin started looking tragically weathered in just one season. The short answer is: dark, earthy, or neutral tones with a matte or textured finish are your best bet.
Think about colors like forest green, dark brown (like espresso or charcoal gray), or even a deep slate. These shades work wonders because they naturally mimic shadows and soil. Dirt, dust, and pollen simply don't stand out as much against these backgrounds. Light scuffs and fine scratches also tend to blend into the darker, non-reflective surface, rather than catching the light and announcing themselves like they would on a glossy white or black bin.
It's worth avoiding very light colors (white, beige, yellow) as they show every speck of dirt, and surprisingly, solid jet black can be a dust and scratch magnet, often showing a whitish haze from fine scratches over time. A textured finish, like a pebbled or hammered metal pattern, is a huge bonus as it breaks up light reflection and helps disguise imperfections even further.
So, for a bin that maintains a cleaner look with less effort, opt for a dark green, brown, or matte gray. It’s a simple choice that makes a big difference in keeping your outdoor space looking tidy.