That's a great and very practical question! As a parent myself, I completely understand the concern. You'd be surprised how quickly a curious toddler can make a beeline for something we'd rather they avoided, like a public trash bin. The short answer is: yes, they do exist, but their availability really depends on your specific city or district.
Many modern urban areas, especially in family-friendly parks, playgrounds, and near schools, are increasingly installing more secure bins. What should you look for? True child-proof designs often feature locking mechanisms that require an adult-level of strength or dexterity to open. You might see bins with a pedal you have to step on (hard for a small child to press down with enough force), a handle that needs to be squeezed and lifted simultaneously, or a covered slot design for trash that prevents little hands from reaching inside.
Some advanced models even have a simple latch or key lock. However, the classic open-top wire basket or simple flip-lid bin is still very common and offers no barrier to a determined explorer.
My best advice is to be proactive. When you're out and about, do a quick visual scan. Opt for areas with the more modern, sealed-bin designs. Always keep a watchful eye, as no bin is 100% "toddler-proof" if left unattended. It's also a perfect moment for gentle teaching, explaining why we don't touch the "yucky bin." You can also reach out to your local parks and recreation department to suggest the installation of safer bins in playgrounds—community input often drives these changes! Ultimately, a combination of seeking out safer infrastructure, supervision, and education is the key to keeping those little hands safe and clean.