What are the risks of using stone outdoor garbage bins in seismic zones?

Using stone or heavy masonry outdoor garbage bins in seismic zones presents significant and often overlooked risks. Their substantial weight, which provides stability in normal conditions, becomes a major hazard during an earthquake. The primary danger is that these rigid, non-ductile structures can easily topple or fracture when the ground shakes. A falling stone bin can cause serious injury or block critical evacuation routes. Furthermore, if the bin shatters, it creates dangerous debris fields of sharp, heavy fragments. Unlike lighter, flexible materials like metal or plastic, stone cannot absorb seismic energy through bending or deformation. This lack of ductility leads to sudden, brittle failure. For public safety, municipalities and property managers in earthquake-prone regions should consider alternative, lighter, and more flexible waste container designs that are anchored or engineered to withstand seismic forces without becoming lethal projectiles or obstacles.