• Question: why are dustbins called DUSTbins?

    Asked by mrspolly to Davie, Gemma, James P, James V, Nuala on 27 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: James Pope

      James Pope answered on 27 Jun 2012:

      Hi mrspolly,

      I have no idea! I’ve never even thought about it before. I usually call the rubbish bins, but I do use Dustbin. I guess it could be linked to it being where you emptied your dust pan which you used to sweep up dust from the floor. When they got the name, they were probably filled with lots of swept dust (which we now have in hoover bags and hoover boxes) and ashes from coal fires.

    • Photo: Gemma Purser

      Gemma Purser answered on 27 Jun 2012:

      wow! i have never ever actually thought about this! cool question!! haha! 🙂
      I like your theory though James!

    • Photo: Nuala Carson

      Nuala Carson answered on 28 Jun 2012:

      Er i call them rubbish bins actually? Is dustbin not an Americanism?Maybe im just different?

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