That's a great question, and one that city planners and property managers think about a lot. The short answer is: modern outdoor trash cans hold up surprisingly well, but it largely depends on the materials and coatings used.
The classic, all-metal cans were a graffiti magnet. Paint stuck easily and was hard to remove. Today, the game has changed. Most high-quality public bins are made from or finished with materials specifically chosen for graffiti resistance.
Powder-coated steel is very common. This finish creates a hard, non-porous shell. While spray paint will stick to it, it often doesn't penetrate. A quick pressure wash or a wipe with a mild solvent can usually remove fresh graffiti without damaging the finish underneath. Stainless steel is another top performer. Its smooth, non-porous surface makes it very difficult for paint to bond strongly, allowing for relatively easy cleanup.
Some advanced products even use special anti-graffiti coatings. These are clear, sacrificial layers applied over the base color. When graffiti is applied, you use a specific cleaner that removes both the vandal's paint *and* this top coating. You then reapply the clear coat. It's more work but guarantees the original color always looks new.
So, do they hold up? Yes, much better than before. They won't magically repel spray paint, but they are designed to make removal quick and cost-effective. The goal isn't always to be 100% graffiti-proof—that's nearly impossible—but to be "graffiti *resistant*" and "easy to clean." This drastically reduces maintenance time and costs, keeping public spaces looking cleaner for longer. The best strategy combines these durable products with proactive maintenance, removing graffiti quickly to discourage repeat offenses.