That's a great question! Many people don't realize that yes, you often can get a touch-up paint pen or small can of paint for your city-provided trash or recycling bin. It's not usually a standard retail product, but rather something managed by your local waste management department or public works office.
The first and best step is to contact your city's waste collection service directly. Look up their phone number or email on your municipal website. Explain that your bin has some scrapes or faded numbers and you'd like to touch it up to keep it looking neat and ensure it's clearly identified as your property. Most cities have a specific color (like forest green, gray, or blue) they use for their bins and may offer small amounts of paint for residents, sometimes for free or for a minimal fee. They might direct you to pick it up at a public works yard or mail it to you.
If the city doesn't provide paint, ask for the exact paint brand and color code or name. With that information, you can visit a hardware or paint store. They can often mix a small sample pot or even put some paint into a marker-style pen for easy application. A quick touch-up can make your bin look much better, protect the plastic from UV damage, and help it last longer. It's a simple way to maintain your property and keep your neighborhood looking tidy.