That's a great question! Keeping areas clean really comes down to smart planning. From my experience, the best way to position outdoor trash cans is to think like the person using them. The golden rule is convenience meets visibility.
First, place them at natural "decision points." This is where someone naturally finishes an item or pauses. Think near park bench clusters, beside sports field exits, along major walking paths, and definitely near food concession areas. If someone has to go out of their way, litter often happens.
Visibility is key. A bin should be clearly in the line of sight, not hidden behind a bush or pole. Good lighting at night is also crucial for high-traffic evening areas.
Don't just use one bin; use pairs or clusters, especially where people gather. A single overflowing can is a litter magnet. Multiple bins prevent overflow and offer recycling options.
Finally, and this is critical: positioning is useless without consistent maintenance. A regularly emptied and clean bin encourages proper use. The best spot is also one that's easy for collection trucks to access. It's a simple formula: make it easy to see, easy to use, and keep it empty. When you do that, most people will happily do the right thing.