You might not give much thought to the color of your outdoor trash bin, but it plays a surprisingly significant role in its performance and how long it lasts. The primary factor at play is heat absorption. Darker colors, like black, dark brown, or deep green, are excellent at absorbing sunlight and heat. Lighter colors, such as white, beige, or light gray, are much more reflective.
This difference in heat absorption directly impacts the plastic material of the bin. When a dark-colored bin sits in the sun all day, its internal and external temperatures can rise dramatically. This constant heating and cooling cycle during daily and seasonal changes puts stress on the plastic polymers. Over time, this leads to accelerated degradation, making the plastic brittle, prone to cracking, and fading in color. It essentially speeds up the aging process.
A light-colored bin, by reflecting a larger portion of the sun's rays, remains significantly cooler. This reduced thermal stress helps preserve the integrity of the plastic, resulting in a bin that remains flexible and durable for a longer period. Furthermore, while all plastic is susceptible to UV damage, darker bins often experience a more rapid breakdown of UV stabilizers mixed into the plastic due to the higher temperatures, compounding the damage. So, if longevity is your goal, opting for a lighter-colored trash bin is a simple and effective strategy.