# disposal

/dɪˈspoʊzəɫ/ (US) · /dɪspˈəʊzəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disposal
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. getting rid of something

noun · CEFR B2

the act of throwing something away or getting rid of it properly.

For teachers: the act or process of getting rid of something, especially waste or unwanted items.

- The safe disposal of plastic waste is a major problem for the environment.
- The local council implemented stricter regulations regarding the disposal of hazardous industrial chemicals to prevent groundwater contamination.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'of'.

### 2. available for use

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

having something ready for you to use whenever you need it.

For teachers: the state of being available for one's use or under one's control.

- If you need any help, I am at your disposal.
- With a vast array of digital tools at their disposal, modern architects can simulate structural stresses before construction even begins.

Usage: Commonly used in the fixed phrase 'at someone's disposal'.

### 3. kitchen machine

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a machine under the kitchen sink that grinds up food waste.

For teachers: an electromechanical device installed under a kitchen sink that shreds food waste into small pieces.

- Don't put large bones down the disposal or it might break.
- The plumber noted that the disposal was clogged because the tenants had been pouring grease down the drain for months.

### 4. internet slang

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a way to describe getting rid of someone or something online, often in a harsh way.

For teachers: a slang usage referring to the act of dismissing or 'getting rid of' a person or entity in digital contexts.

- The streamer's disposal of the toxic moderator was praised by the community.
- The rapid disposal of the controversial post by the site administrators sparked a debate about censorship in the comments section.

## Examples

- The safe disposal of batteries is important for the environment.
- After the renovation, the contractors handled the disposal of all the old wood and broken tiles.
- With a vast library of digital resources at her disposal, the researcher was able to cross-reference the historical documents without leaving her home office.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.