wastebasket

A wastebasket is a small container used to collect waste before it is disposed of. It is designed to be portable, easy to empty, and suitable for the location, whether on a desk, in a kitchen, or in a public space. Most units are lined with a bag or liner to simplify emptying.

Common materials include metal, plastic, wood, and wicker. Shapes range from simple cylindrical bins to rectangular boxes, with open-top models for quick deposit and closed models with lids to contain odors. Some units include a foot pedal to lift the lid, improving hygiene.

Interior liners, typically disposable plastic bags or paper bags, help with handling and cleanup. Larger office bins may include a step-on mechanism and a hinged lid, while desktop or personal wastebaskets are usually smaller and open-topped.

Terminology varies by region. In American English, a wastebasket is common; elsewhere terms like rubbish bin or dustbin may be used. The term wastepaper basket is often applied to smaller desk units intended for paper waste alone.

History notes that waste baskets developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as office waste containers made of metal or wicker. Over time they evolved into a standard fixture in homes and workplaces, available in a range of sizes and styles to suit space and function. Modern designs emphasize hygiene, ease of emptying, and compatibility with liners and bags.