junk

Junk is a term used to describe items that are considered worthless, unwanted, or of little value. In everyday usage it covers a broad range of things, from household clutter to unsolicited mail. In specialized contexts, "junk" forms part of several compound terms such as junk food, junk science, or junk DNA, each reflecting different ways the word is used.

Common categories include household junk (old furniture, broken appliances), construction and demolition debris, and electronic waste (discarded phones, computers). Junk mail refers to unsolicited advertising materials sent by post or digitally. The status of an item as junk is often determined by context, ownership, and local laws or norms about reuse and disposal.

Disposal and management involve sorting and choosing between reuse, recycling, donation, or disposal in landfill or through waste-to-energy facilities. Reuse and repair reduce environmental impact, while recycling recovers materials for new products. Hazardous components in some junk, such as batteries or electronics, require special handling.

In cultural usage, phrases such as junk food describe highly processed foods with little nutritional value, while junk science refers to research perceived as methodologically weak or unsubstantiated. Junk furniture or items may be donated or resold through second-hand markets or charity shops.

The concept of junk highlights the tension between consumption, waste management, and resource use in modern societies. Related topics include waste management and recycling.