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computing a systems routine for eliminating invalid or out-of-date data and releasing storage locations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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

Capital costs notwithstanding, the Olympics will require additional police, traffic control, garbage collection and other public services.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2025

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

From BBC • Dec. 18, 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