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garbage collection

British  

noun

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 computing a systems routine for eliminating invalid or out-of-date data and releasing storage locations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

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Investors have also embraced less sexy names, companies in boring industries like garbage collection and recycling.

From Barron's Nov. 21, 2025

He’ll focus first on city services such as garbage collection, knowing he can lose it all if he shows incompetence on the basics.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 6, 2025

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

From BBC Dec. 18, 2024

Experts point out that closing a landfill and redirecting waste elsewhere will likely result in higher garbage collection fees.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 10, 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

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