Why?

[OlongJohnson]

Marketing.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

They do work better on gravel and snow to turn the wheels rather than just slide.

The lugs also help prevent the can from sliding sideways on icy driveways too.

That’s all I’ve got.

I had to push my cans through the snow for pick up tomorrow morning. I didn't fall into them though.

[Lex Luthier]

Now that we've settled that one,
Why are dog's lips black?

[Balisong]

Obviously so people can do this:

All the evil and destruction of modern civilization brought about by the internet and social media...... well, that 31 seconds of video just made up for all of it.

[Oldherkpilot]

They do work better on gravel and snow to turn the wheels rather than just slide.

The lugs also help prevent the can from sliding sideways on icy driveways too.

That’s all I’ve got.

You're making it up.as.you go along!?

[FNFAN]

Why do trash can wheels have treads? They aren't powered or braked and the lugs make a lot more noise than ribbed or slick wheels would...

The treads make a rhythmic noise which hypnotizes gators you’re trying to capture.

[Duelist]

I had to push my cans through the snow for pick up tomorrow morning. I didn't fall into them though.

You probably closed the lids before rolling out, though. So falling in was probably not likely.

[rdtompki]

Why do trash can wheels have treads? They aren't powered or braked and the lugs make a lot more noise than ribbed or slick wheels would...

If you have to ask this question you're in the "pull, don't push" camp. Pushing requires a small bit of grip to maintain steerage.

[blues]

If you have to ask this question you're in the "pull, don't push" camp. Pushing requires a small bit of grip to maintain steerage.

I'm a puller, but don't "tread" on me.

[RevolverRob]

You probably closed the lids before rolling out, though. So falling in was probably not likely.

Thank goodness. I was sitting here going, "Who the fuck doesn't close the lid?"

Anyways - tread in ice and snow. Interesting thought. Countered by every dumpster I saw in Chicago had smooth wheels, often steel, not even rubber. Maybe the extra weight of the dumpster compensates?