Outdoor trash cans in public spaces often face wear and tear from various sources, including rollators used by elderly or mobility-impaired individuals. To address this challenge, designers are now integrating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) into trash can structures, combining durability with smart energy-harvesting capabilities.

Key design features include:

1. Reinforced Base and Frame: Using high-impact polymers or powder-coated steel to withstand accidental collisions from rollators.

2. Flexible yet Sturdy Exterior: Incorporating TENG-equipped rubberized panels that absorb impact while generating small amounts of electricity from friction.

3. Low-Profile Openings: Angled or recessed disposal slots that prevent rollator wheels from catching on edges.

4. Ground-Stabilized Mounting: Anchoring systems that prevent tipping while allowing TENG components to harvest energy from vibrations.

The integration of TENGs not only improves resilience but also powers small-scale functionalities like compacting mechanisms or fill-level sensors. This dual-purpose approach makes public waste bins more sustainable and cost-effective in the long term.

By prioritizing both accessibility and technological innovation, these next-generation trash cans demonstrate how urban infrastructure can adapt to diverse user needs while embracing smart city principles.