Definition

Noun: A litter-basket is a container, typically a bin or receptacle, placed in or near a public building or area where members of the public can dispose of their rubbish or litter.

Usage

This word specifically refers to a public waste container. It is a compound noun formed from "litter" (meaning waste material) and "basket" (meaning a container). Its primary function is to encourage proper waste disposal in shared spaces.

Examples

• Please dispose of your empty cup in the litter-basket by the park entrance.
• The city council has installed new litter-baskets along the main shopping street.
• A full litter-basket is better than litter on the ground.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in official contexts, such as municipal planning, public health notices, and signage.
• It can be part of a compound adjective, e.g., litter-basket maintenance (the upkeep of public waste bins).

Variants and Related Words

• Litter bin (noun): A direct synonym, more commonly used in British English.
• Trash can (noun): Common in American English, though it can refer to both public and private containers.
• Wastebasket (noun): Typically refers to a small bin for paper waste in an office or home setting.
• Dustbin (noun): Common in British English, often for household waste.
• Garbage can (noun): Common in American English.

Synonyms

• Waste bin
• Rubbish bin
• Trash receptacle
• Public waste container

Antonyms

• There are no direct antonyms, but the concept is opposite to littering (the act of improperly discarding waste).

Related Phrases

• "Use the litter-basket": A common instruction on public signage.
• "Litter-basket overflow": A situation where the public bin is too full, often cited as a civic issue.

Noun

1. bin (usually in or outside a public building) into which the public can put rubbish