The answer is in the article, you just have to read it:

  San Francisco tested out a generic $630 wire mesh trash can but chose the Slim Silhouette because it found the Silhouette’s opening, with a snorkel design, was better at preventing rummaging and its stainless steel body was easier to maintain.

  The eye-popping price of these modern trash cans has little to do with permitting and red tape, like stories of $1.7m public toilets. Thoughtful designs are more expensive, and many cities believe it’s necessary to pay the premium.