That's an excellent and thoughtful question. Yes, you absolutely can and should consider getting an urban trash can with a small opening specifically to discourage large litter and illegal dumping. This design strategy is becoming increasingly common in cities worldwide as a practical tool for public space management.
The primary logic is simple: a standard, large-opening bin can easily become a target for people looking to dispose of oversized bags of household waste, construction debris, or even small furniture items, often to avoid paying for proper disposal services. This leads to bins overflowing quickly, creating unsightly and unhygienic conditions, and significantly increasing maintenance costs.
A trash can with a restricted opening—often just large enough for common street litter like coffee cups, food wrappers, bottles, and cans—physically prevents the insertion of large bags and bulky items. It gently "nudges" behavior by making the undesirable action (dumping large trash) inconvenient or impossible. This ensures the bin serves its intended purpose: collecting pedestrian litter throughout the day.
The benefits are clear. Maintenance crews can follow more predictable emptying schedules, public areas stay cleaner, and municipal resources are used more efficiently. It's a passive yet effective form of enforcement. When considering such a bin, also look for models with secure, locking lids to further deter scavenging and wind-blown scatter.
So, to directly answer your question, opting for a small-opening urban trash can is a smart, proactive measure for discouraging large litter. It's a key feature in modern urban design aimed at promoting cleaner streets and more responsible public behavior.