Should Your Business Use Plastic or Stainless Steel Trash Cans?

When it comes to starting or maintaining a business, one simple detail that people often overlook is their commercial garbage cans. Are you currently stocking your office, lobby, or warehouse with just any old trash bins you could find? If so, you're not getting the most out of these receptacles, and they won't serve your business very well. Several factors should go into choosing a trash can for your business, such as the material. Discover the answer to the question, "Should your business use plastic or stainless steel trash cans?" and more deciding factors below.

What To Consider When Choosing Business Trash Cans

When choosing between plastic and metal garbage cans, you may not know the differences each can make in your workplace. There are several factors that make each trash can different and explain why some models may work better in a certain workspace than others. While selecting the ideal garbage cans for your business, consider the following factors to determine which type of trash can will work best in your space.

Durability

Certain trash cans have different levels of durability depending on their material. The two main types of materials that give garbage receptacles their structure are metal and plastic, and each of these materials proves to be quite durable. While you might automatically label metal bins as the sturdier options, modern plastics used in these receptacles are quite sturdy as well. Many plastic garbage can models are designed to avoid scratches, dents, and rust, which is one area where they prove superior over metal cans. Stainless steel and other metals are more durable overall, but they are only rust-resistant, so if you're planning to keep them in a moist environment, plastic may be your best choice.

Size for Placement and Movement

Plastic and metal garbage can models come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit into any space in your workplace. When it comes to office work, you may not need any more than a personal, plastic garbage can for each desk. On the other hand, smaller cans will require more frequent emptying if they see quite a bit of use each day. Keep this in mind, especially if you're leaning toward metal garbage cans, which can be bulkier and more difficult to maneuver. Small garbage cans will be easier to maneuver, regardless of material, though they will fill up faster. Larger garbage cans may be preferable, especially in high-traffic areas where they will see a lot of use.

Location

Location is another key factor in choosing plastic or steel garbage cans. Picture where you wish to place each trash receptacle in your workspace. Using the previous example again, in an office space, all you might need is a small plastic garbage can for each desk. However, plastic may not be ideal in all areas. Plastic garbage cans tend to absorb food odors after some time, so a plastic garbage can might not be ideal in a workspace kitchen, for example. In this case, choose a steel model with a closing lid to keep food odors under control. With the help of a lid to block food odors, you won't need to change your garbage bag out as frequently either.

Indoor or Outdoor

Whether you will be placing your garbage cans inside or outside your business is another factor to consider. For outdoor garbage cans, you will need a durable, weather-resistant receptacle to last against the wear and tear of the elements. If your business is situated in an area surrounded by wildlife, you may also want to invest in critter-proof garbage cans. Indoor garbage cans don't need to account for the same wear and tear, which means you have more options when it comes to choosing your commercial indoor trash cans.

Pros and Cons of Plastic

If you still don't have a distinct picture of the best trash can for your business, it might help to weigh the pros and cons of the two distinct types. Some of the benefits of choosing a plastic trash can include the fact that they're lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy to clean. However, you might want to avoid storing them in certain areas where passersby often dispose of food, as plastic can absorb food odors after some time. Plastic bins are ideal for smaller spaces, but they may need emptying more often. You will find many uses for a plastic trash bin around any workplace.

Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel and metal trash cans have their pros and cons as well. While there are many durable plastic bins on the market, metal trash bins are typically regarded as more durable and sturdier, which makes them great for both indoor and outdoor use. Stainless steel cans also come in a variety of sizes, which means they can accommodate various workspaces, from offices to factories. Some metal trash cans may be prone to rust, so be sure to keep these models away from any water sources or humid environments.

Where To Find Commercial Bins

Now that you have a better idea of which trash can is right for your business, where do you find such a variety of receptacles? Fortunately, you can find everything you're looking for right here at Trash Cans Depot. We carry a wide variety of trash and recycling bins, from stainless steel to plastic models. Whether you're looking for indoor bins or reinforced outdoor garbage cans, you can find them all here at Sunsong. Browse different styles, materials, sizes, and more, all in one place.

We hope this deep dive into the differences between garbage cans has helped answer the question, "Should your business use plastic or steel trash cans?" Every workspace has different requirements and needs to fill, which is why you shouldn't choose any old garbage can you find at the general store. That is why there are so many different types of garbage cans to choose from. Now that you know what variety you're looking for, find the garbage can that works best for your business here at Sunsong.