Here in New York City, some homes have in-ground trash receptacles
with cast-iron covers.  I can't find anyone who makes these today. 
Dover Industries once made them, but I don't know if they still do. 
Basically, I want to put my trash bags in the ground.  I'm happy to
buy old units, if there are any at auction.

Hello dellisny,

Thank you for your question.

And yes, they still make in-ground trash containers though there is a
very limited selection. And although the following links all have
unique urls, they appear to be the same vendor with the same choice of
product:

VOLKO
http://www.volko.com/cambercans.htm

CamberCans

Underground Garbage Cans and Inground Trash Can Parts & Lids

Ideal for condominiums, golf courses, pools, patios, & resort living.

Perfect as a raccoon and critter deterrent, never have a knocked over
trash can again


Garbage Can Source
http://www.garbagecansource.com/nwcans.htm

Chief Underground Garbage Cans

Cambercans
http://www.cambergroup.com/ugds.htm


Sometimes it's just impossible to find a place to hide garbage. It
piles up making your property look "trashy." To solve this problem and
to beautify property at the same time, install "Cambercans."
Cambercans are underground garbage cans that eliminate ugly garbage,
and decrease the clutter of ordinary surface garbage cans.Cambercans
give you a lifetime of satisfaction because they are the most durable
garbage container system available. Consider these benefits:

Cambercans contain no plastic parts to break or wear out. 

The cans are built the old-fashioned, heavy-duty way, including spot
welding and lock-seams, industrial strength cotter pins, and bolts. No
skimping on quality.
 
Construction is over 98% galvanized steel. 

Cambercan lids have an epoxy bonded coating, which provides superior
protection.

Put your foot on the lid-step and the lid pops up for easy access. 

And Dover cans:
http://www.garbagecansource.com/dovergarbagecans.htm



All of these links lead to the same supplier:

Volko Supply Co. Inc.   
Mon-Fri 7-5   Sat 7-12  EST. 
 
205 Herricks Road     
Garden City Park, N.Y. 11040 

1-800-685-8263
 

You will also find installation instructions at their site, as well.


And do check your local requirements and restrictions. For example,
the town of Mamaroneck prohibits these:
http://www.townofmamaroneck.org/sanitation.html

" ENCLOSURES

Pail enclosures are permitted. No sunken or in-ground receptacles are
allowed..."

Larchmont has the same restriction. Perhaps this is why there is only
one online vendor.

Search Strategy:

in-ground +trash OR garbage +can OR receptacle OR container

I trust my research has answered your question. If a link above should
fail to work or anything require further explanation or research,
please do post a Request for Clarification prior to rating the answer
and closing the question and I will be pleased to assist further.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-

Thanks.