Rubbish, trash, garbage, litter & Co.

ME - So, what's the difference between rubbish and trash?

U.S.A. NATIVE: - Well, none. It's the same thing. But rubbish is the “British” word, and trash is rather American.

ME: - And what about garbage?

U.S.A. NATIVE: - Again, it's the same. It is used in both countries.

(Conversation in West Wales, end of July)

UK NATIVE: - I refuse to use trash. I'm English, for me it's rubbish. Then I love the [figurative] use of the word, like when you're not good at something: “He's rubbish...”

ME: - And what about garbage?

UK NATIVE: (horrified) - Oh no! That's American too! I don't like it!

(Conversation in Glasgow, Scotland, mid-August)

What's about rubbish that interests me? Besides the concern of how much trash we produce and its disposal, it's basically the question “Where do I put the garbage?” . Does it seem a silly question? Well, in the UK it's not. At least not when you're not at home - where the recycling system is more or less like in the rest of Europe.

But where do I throw my tasteless chewing-gum? Where can I get rid of hated paper take-away coffee mugs? Finding a litter in the streets of this country is like the quest for the Holy Graal!

The situation is no better in trains where you can find only two litter bins each coach (vs one each 4 seats in Italian trains) and jolly chewing&sipping Brits. Regularly a member of the “Train Maintenance Team” goes around to collect the rests of those enjoyed snacks from seats, tables and floor. What's the point? A bigger bin or more wouldn't be a better choice?

And outdoor too, please, put some more bins. Today I had a (again and always) hated paper take-away coffee mug at Aberystwyth Train Station - that is so small that just has one platform! I had to wander around about inside and outside station with all my bags just to find a place where to lay my empty cup. This is kinda surreal...