That's an excellent and practical question! From my experience in municipal maintenance and conversations with manufacturers, polyethylene urban trash cans typically last between 5 to 10 years in regular service. This range isn't arbitrary—it depends heavily on several key factors.
First, the quality of the polyethylene resin itself matters. Higher-density polyethylene (HDPE) with UV inhibitors will far outlast a thin, single-layer bin. The environment is crucial too. A bin in a shaded, temperate park might reach the 10-year mark, while one in constant desert sun might show significant brittleness and fading in just 3-4 years. Usage intensity is another major variable. A can on a busy downtown corner, being emptied multiple times daily and subjected to rough handling, will have a shorter life than one in a low-traffic residential area.
Common failure points include cracks around the base or handles from stress, fading and embrittlement from UV radiation, and wheel or lid mechanism breakdown. Proper maintenance—like avoiding overfilling, not burning trash inside, and cleaning with mild detergents—can definitely extend its service life. So, while 5-10 years is the standard expectation, treating your bins well can push them toward that upper limit.