Hey there! Thanks for asking—this is one of those practical questions we get from parks departments, property managers, and even homeowners. The short answer is yes, you can mount a trash can or bike rack to the side of many of our urban benches, but there are a few important things to check first.
Not every urban bench is built the same way. Our standard steel and aluminum benches with side frames have pre-drilled mounting tabs or reinforced side plates on select models, so attaching a side-mount trash can or a bike rack is straightforward. If the bench has a cast iron or recycled plastic frame, you may need a universal mounting bracket or an adapter kit. The key is that the bench frame must be anchored properly to the ground, because adding a loaded trash can or a locked bike rack changes the weight distribution and wind load.
Before you mount anything, look at the side of the bench. If you see two or more pre-drilled holes in the frame, you are good to go. Use stainless steel hardware—5/16-inch or M8 bolts with nylon locking nuts are usually fine—and add a rubber or EPDM washer between the accessory bracket and the bench to prevent scratches and galvanic corrosion. For trash cans, we suggest keeping the bin load limit at or below 50 pounds so the frame is not stressed. For bike racks, choose a single-sided or end-of-bench rack that bolts vertically to the side frame rather than hanging off the seat or backrest.
A few things to avoid: do not drill into the wood or recycled plastic slats, do not clamp anything to the armrests, and do not attach anything to a bench that is not anchored to the ground. If the bench is on a soft surface, anchor it to a concrete pad first. Also check your local accessibility codes, because some cities require a clear path around street furniture, and a side-mounted bike rack can reduce clearance.
If you already have one of our benches, send us a photo of the side frame or the model number, and we can tell you exactly which mounting kit fits. If you are still in the planning stage, ask for a side-accessory-ready urban bench. That option includes reinforced side plates and pre-drilled holes for a trash can or bike rack, so you will not have to modify anything in the field.
Bottom line: yes, it is usually possible, and it can be a smart way to keep public spaces cleaner and more bike-friendly. Just use the right hardware, check the frame, anchor the bench, and keep the load reasonable. That way your bench stays sturdy and safe for years.