Spanish word

desecho

Pronunciation

IPA/deˈsetʃo/

Meaning

  • masculine nountrash

Example

Siempre separo los desechos reciclables.

I always separate recyclable trash.

Illustration for desecho (trash)

More examples

No dejes desechos en la calle, usa los contenedores.

Don't leave trash in the street, use the containers.

Core concept

Assorted waste materials separated for disposal or recycling.

Common phrases

  • desecho alimentario

    food waste

  • desecho sólido

    solid waste

  • desecho doméstico

    household waste

Similar words

basura: Everyday household trash produced and thrown away during routine home activities.
residuo: Substance left after a process or use that remains for treatment, disposal, or recycling.
desperdicio: Food or other resources that have been wasted or squandered instead of used.
resto: Portion or fragment left over after cooking, cutting, or completing a task.

Definition in Spanish

Resto o residuo que se descarta tras su uso, tanto en el hogar como en la industria.

Word origin

The word comes from desechar (de- 'away' + echar 'to throw'), reflecting the action of discarding leftovers or residues.

Usage tips

  • In formal, environmental, or industrial contexts desechos is the preferred term, whereas in casual speech Spanish speakers often use basura for household trash.

Other meanings

  • wastenoun
  • scrapnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word