prison-architect
I've checked the wiki and can't find any information on what bins actually do in Prison Architect (though it is possible they don't have function yet). The in game tool tip is similarly vague:
Cleanliness is important when it comes to contraband
I've tried placing them near to metal detectors but contraband never seems to be put in them, just dumped on the floor until it despawns.
One of the grants you can get right at the beginning is titled "Contract: Basic Detention Center". This grant gives you $40,000, and adds a few items to your checklist. These items are:
Other than two guards and two chefs, that sounds like the absolute minimum required to incarcerate and detain your first batch of prisoners.
Not in the current version of the alpha (16), no. The edge of the map is a protected tile, as are all the tiles of the prebuilt road:
I tried adding a road gate to force vehicles to turn right, but this didn't help as they just patiently waited for the gate to be opened (despite my field being in dire need of riot police and the fire brigade):
However, there is a (very expensive and time consuming) workaround. First you need to build two offices. In the first one, appoint a warden and have him research finance from the bureaucracy screen. Then hire an accountant and have her research land expansion. In total this will take about 1 in game day.
This then gives you the option to purchase land plots on the other side of the prebuilt road for $20,000 a piece. This can be used to give the illusion that the road has been moved and gives you your desired road in the middle:
You must remember to use road gates to allow a secure space for prisoners to cross the road, if that is your intention.
Best Answer
Workmen will actually put trash into the bins. Contraband, is thrown on the floor by the guards, then picked up and placed into the bin by the workers. It also collects any other garbage from nearby sources, such as any food dropped on the floor by your kitchen staff. The cooks will pick up the "Ingredients" and put them in a nearby bin, instead of bagging them.
They really don't have much practical function, however, they do cause there to be less trash bags laying around your prison.