What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
garbage
Example
Don't forget to take out the garbage before you leave. [garbage: noun]
Example
She was sorting through the garbage to find her lost keys. [garbage: noun]
trash
Example
Please throw your trash in the bin provided. [trash: noun]
Example
He was rummaging through the trash to find his lost phone. [trash: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trash is more commonly used than garbage in the US, while garbage is more commonly used in Canada and some parts of the US.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between garbage and trash?
Both garbage and trash are informal words that are commonly used in everyday language and are not typically used in formal contexts.
