If you need a trash can factory to produce bins with custom logos for a corporate campus, the screen printing setup fee is usually a one-time charge. For a standard one-color logo on a standard plastic trash can, most factories quote about $75 to $250 per color. A two-color logo often runs around $150 to $500 total, depending on the factory and bin type. If the logo is large, wraps around a curved surface, or goes on a textured, powder-coated, or outdoor-rated bin, setup can increase to roughly $250 to $500 per color because the factory may need custom fixtures, special inks, and test prints.
This setup fee, sometimes called a screen charge, plate fee, or origination fee, covers burning the screen, preparing the artwork, matching colors, setting up the press, and running a test print. It is not the same as the unit price. After setup, each printed bin usually has an additional print cost, often $0.25 to $1.50 per bin for simple one-color screen printing. If you reorder the same logo in the same size and color, many factories waive or reduce the setup fee because the screen already exists.
For a corporate campus, the total setup cost depends on how many logo versions you need. If every building uses the same logo, same size, and same color, you normally pay one setup per color. If different departments, campuses, or events need different logos or Pantone colors, each additional design or color can add another setup charge. Supplying vector artwork in AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG format helps avoid an extra art fee, which is often $25 to $75. If your logo is a full-color image or photograph, screen printing may not be the right method; UV digital printing or durable labels may have different setup costs and higher unit prices.
As a realistic budget, plan for about $100 to $300 per color for custom-logo screen printing on standard trash cans, and more for complex shapes or premium finishes. To get an exact quote, ask the factory for a breakdown that includes bin model, material, print area, number of colors, Pantone references, order quantity, and whether setup is waived on reorders. A factory can then confirm the one-time screen printing setup fee and the per-bin printing cost for your corporate campus order.
