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garbage collection

British

noun

computing a systems routine for eliminating invalid or out-of-date data and releasing storage locations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is now swept by local and nationwide blackouts, a failing electrical grid, food shortages, rationing, shrinking services—famously, limited garbage collection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

On highways, you’ll find its products in trucks used for distribution, garbage collection, construction, buses, motor homes, and more.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

The administration, known as the Salvation Government, runs water and electricity distribution, garbage collection and road pavement.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2024

The second item on his to-do list involves continuing negotiations with the city of L.A., which will have to provide traffic control, garbage collection and other services at venues.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024

I went on missions to inspect fallen trees that needed removing, talked to neighborhood pastors who were upset about traffic or garbage collection, and often represented the mayor’s office at community functions.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023