In the everyday run of things, few pay much attention to their municipal trash can. These plastic receptacles, after all, aren’t exactly known for their eye-catching features—but maybe they should be.

One website and its corresponding Instagram account show that trash cans distributed by local authorities in Britain can exhibit an unexpected riot of variety and visual information. Curated by designer Harry Trimble, Govbins.uk is a gallery of what the British call “wheelie bins” that’s developing …