What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wastes
Example
We need to dispose of the hazardous waste properly. [waste: noun]
Example
He wastes his money on unnecessary things. [wastes: verb]
rubbish
Example
Don't forget to take out the rubbish before the garbage truck comes. [rubbish: noun]
Example
That's a load of rubbish! [rubbish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rubbish is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in British English, while wastes is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between wastes and rubbish?
Wastes is generally more formal than rubbish, which is more informal and colloquial.
