That's an excellent question that city planners and public works departments grapple with regularly. From my observations and research, the performance of urban trash cans in harsh winters is a real mixed bag, heavily dependent on their design and material.
The biggest challenge isn't just the cold, but the cycle of freezing, thawing, snow, and ice melt. Metal cans, especially powder-coated steel, are common. They hold up structurally but can become brittle in extreme cold, and their lids often freeze shut or get jammed with ice. Plastic bins, often made from high-density polyethylene, avoid rust but can become incredibly brittle and crack if impacted when frozen solid.
Smart cities in colder climates are adapting. You'll see more cans with simple, heavy-duty flip lids instead of complex swinging doors that ice over. Drainage holes at the bottom are crucial to prevent water from pooling and freezing solid into a block of waste. Some premium models use special cold-weather polymers or stainless steel, which performs better but at a higher cost.
Maintenance is the real key. A well-designed can will still fail if it's not serviced. In the depths of winter, collection schedules can lag, leading to overfilled bins where trash freezes into an immovable mass. Regular emptying and occasionally chipping out ice buildup are essential.
So, to answer directly: they hold up *moderately* well if specifically chosen for the climate and maintained aggressively. A basic summer can will fail. The best winter-warrior bins prioritize simplicity, durable materials, and easy drainage to combat the relentless freeze-thaw cycle. It's a constant battle against the elements to keep our sidewalks clean and functional.