That's a fantastic and increasingly common question about unconventional branding. The short answer is: yes, it is often possible, but it's not as simple as just printing and installing it yourself. This typically involves a partnership with the local municipality or a specialized street furniture advertising company.
Many cities have programs where they allow corporate sponsorship or branding on public furniture—like trash cans, benches, or bike racks—in exchange for funding their installation and maintenance. This creates a win-win: the city gets clean, well-maintained assets, and your company gains highly visible, community-oriented advertising.
The process usually starts with contacting your city's public works or parks and recreation department. You'll need to inquire about existing advertising partnerships, regulations, and approval processes. They will have strict guidelines on design, size, and placement to ensure it complements the urban environment.
The benefits are significant. It positions your brand as invested in local community cleanliness and sustainability. It provides constant, passive exposure to thousands of people daily. However, consider the costs, which include production, installation, and ongoing maintenance fees, as well as the potential for vandalism.
In summary, getting your logo on an urban trash can is a viable corporate social responsibility and marketing strategy. It requires navigating municipal channels and likely involves a formal sponsorship agreement, but the result is powerful, localized brand visibility.