diff --git a/libnetwork/sandbox/namespace_linux.go b/libnetwork/sandbox/namespace_linux.go
index 1b9b7fae6d..9d827f0b03 100644
--- a/libnetwork/sandbox/namespace_linux.go
+++ b/libnetwork/sandbox/namespace_linux.go
@@ -107,12 +107,20 @@ func removeFromGarbagePaths(path string) {
 // GC triggers garbage collection of namespace path right away
 // and waits for it.
 func GC() {
+	gpmLock.Lock()
+	if len(garbagePathMap) == 0 {
+		// No need for GC if map is empty
+		gpmLock.Unlock()
+		return
+	}
+	gpmLock.Unlock()
+
+	// if content exists in the garbage paths
+	// we can trigger GC to run, providing a
+	// channel to be notified on completion
 	waitGC := make(chan struct{})
-
-	// Trigger GC now
 	gpmChan <- waitGC
-
-	// wait for gc to complete
+	// wait for GC completion
 	<-waitGC
 }