Dealing with a broken hinge on a heavy-duty city trash bin can be frustrating, but it's often a repair you can handle yourself. First, assess the damage. Is the hinge pin missing or bent, or are the metal leaves (the flat parts attached to the bin and lid) cracked or torn? For a simple pin issue, you might just need a replacement stainless steel pin or a sturdy bolt, nut, and washers. Hammer out the old pin, align the hinges, and insert the new one.
If the metal is cracked or torn, the repair is more involved. You'll need to clean the area thoroughly with a wire brush. For a sturdy, permanent fix, welding is the best option. If you don't weld, a heavy-duty metal epoxy or a bolted-on metal repair plate can work as a strong alternative. Remember to always wear heavy gloves and safety glasses. Apply a rust-inhibiting paint to any bare metal after the repair to prevent future corrosion. With the right approach, your bin will be back in service, saving you the cost and hassle of a full replacement.