Discussion Groups / English Usage / February 2010

That usually means the bin outside the house, but it can also refer to a
smaller bin in the kitchen.

Sometimes we make a distinction between the garbage can (outside the
house) and the rubbish bin (possibly inside the house).

We understand this word, but don't normally use it.

This will be understood, but it sounds American.

That's the normal way of saying it.

"Rubbish" and "garbage" are both common AusE words. "Trash" and "refuse"
are not often used.

Where one grew up has a lot to do with it.  When I was a kid, we put
certain stuff like paper waste in the wastebasket, heavier things in
the rubbish barrel or trash barrel or ashcan.   Garbage meant food
leavings and my mother detested the word swill or swill pail.  In
other parts of the US, garbage can mean any kind of refuse.

Rubbish bin. This is the majority usage. Also "recycling bin",
"garbage". "Trash" sounds American.

Shall I put this in the rubbish.

The second.