What is the Difference Between Garbage and Trash?

The main difference between garbage and trash lies in the sources they come from and the types of waste materials they encompass:

• Garbage refers to waste that comes from the kitchen and bathroom, such as organic waste, food, clothing, food containers, and paper waste. It is typically collected by authorities like the City Sanitation Department or the Waste Control Department.
• Trash, on the other hand, includes all other waste materials that do not come from the kitchen or bathroom, such as leaves, grass clippings, old furniture, carpets, and other non-refuse materials like furniture, junk, garden and lawn trash, and household hazardous waste. Trash is often picked up by city authorities or contractors hired by the County's Commissioner's office.

In summary:

1. Garbage is waste from the kitchen and bathroom, including organic waste and paper products.
2. Trash is all other waste materials not coming from the kitchen or bathroom, such as furniture, garden waste, and non-refuse materials.

While the terms "garbage" and "trash" are often used interchangeably, understanding the difference between them can help ensure proper waste disposal and potentially avoid issues with waste management systems.

Comparative Table: Garbage vs Trash

The difference between garbage and trash lies in the nature of the waste materials. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

In American English, "garbage" is used for waste from the kitchen, while "trash" refers to things like paper and packaging, as well as other non-kitchen waste materials. In British English, "rubbish" is the term used for all types of household waste.