Method for loading and garbage collecting image files. An example system includes two memories, processors, and a garbage collector including an I/O and a garbage collector engine. The I/O receives a request to load an image file from the first memory into the second memory. The garbage collector engine retrieves metadata including an identifying signature associated with a logical subunit. The garbage collector retrieves a plurality of identifying signatures, each identifying signature associated with a respective logical subunit from image files stored on the second memory. The garbage collector determines that the first identifying signature matches a third identifying signature from the plurality of identifying signatures, where the third identifying signature is associated with a third logical subunit. The garbage collector makes a copy of the third logical subunit, and uses this copy in place of the first logical subunit when loading the first image file to the second memory.