That's a great question! It really depends on where you are, but there's been a fascinating shift in recent years. While the classic "municipal green" or basic black are still workhorses in many cities, a few trends are really standing out.
The most noticeable trend is the rise of dark green and deep gray. These colors are hugely popular because they're practical—they hide dirt and stains better than lighter colors, which means they *look* cleaner for longer between washes. Many European and North American cities are adopting these subdued, professional-looking tones.
However, there's a strong counter-trend towards bright, bold colors for a very specific purpose: waste sorting. You'll often see a coordinated system like blue for recycling, green for compost, and black for landfill waste. This color-coding makes it intuitive for the public. Cities like Tokyo and Singapore use these vibrant systems effectively.
Finally, earth tones like sandstone, terracotta, and muted browns are gaining ground in historic districts or upscale areas. They blend into the urban landscape more subtly than industrial-looking bins.
So, the most popular color isn't a single shade. It's a move towards either practical, low-maintenance darks or purposeful, bright sorting systems—all designed to be more functional and integrated into our cityscapes.