That's an excellent and very practical question for any city dealing with windy conditions. The best type of urban trash bin to prevent litter from becoming airborne is one that combines a secure, locking lid with a stable, heavy base. From my experience observing effective city planning, the top performers are often enclosed bins with a top-opening flap or a hinged, locking lid. These designs allow trash to be deposited but prevent wind from getting inside and pulling contents out.
The material and anchoring are just as crucial as the lid. Concrete or heavy-gauge steel bins are ideal because their significant weight makes them difficult to tip over. For even greater stability, some models are designed to be bolted or anchored directly to the pavement. Another smart feature is a small, weighted opening or a chute system, which minimizes the exposed area where wind can rush in.
In extremely windy coastal or high-rise areas, I've seen great results with aerodynamic, dome-shaped bins or those with built-in wind baffles. These designs help wind flow around the bin rather than against it, reducing the force on the lid. The key is to look for a design that addresses all three points: a sealed closure, substantial mass or physical anchoring, and a shape that doesn't catch the wind. Regular and prompt emptying is also essential, as an overfull bin will always be vulnerable, no matter its design.