refuse collection

[/rɪˈfjuːz kəˈlɛkʃən/]
nounfemininepl: refuse collections
coleta de lixo
1. The process of gathering and removing waste materials from residences, businesses, or public areas for disposal or recycling
Refuse collection happens every Tuesday morning in our neighborhood.
A coleta de lixo acontece toda terça-feira de manhã em nosso bairro.
2. A municipal or commercial service responsible for removing garbage and solid waste
The city improved its refuse collection system to reduce landfill waste.
A cidade melhorou seu sistema de coleta de lixo para reduzir o desperdício em aterros sanitários.
In Brazil, refuse collection is a critical municipal service, typically performed early in the morning. The service is often subject to strikes and labor negotiations. In the USA, especially NYC, the sanitation department (DSNY) is a major public institution, and refuse collection schedules are strictly followed by residents. Environmental awareness has made recycling and selective refuse collection increasingly important in both countries.
NYC Slang
sanitation pickup / trash day
Synonyms / Sinônimos
garbage collectionwaste collectiontrash collectionrubbish removalwaste removal
Antonyms / Antônimos
waste disposalwaste management

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
coleta de lixo
Most common term in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
coleta de lixo / limpeza urbana
May also refer to broader urban cleaning services
São Paulo
coleta de resíduos
More formal, technical term used by municipal authorities
Portugal
recolha de lixo / recolha de resíduos
Uses 'recolha' instead of 'coleta'

Related Words

sanitationlandfillrecyclingmunicipal wastewaste managementgarbage truck

Related Idioms & Phrases

take out the trash
garbage day
regular refuse collection schedule
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