1. Garbage -This refers to animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the handling, sale, storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food. Garbage comprising these wastes contains putrescible (rotting) organic matter, which produces an obnoxious odor and attracts rats and other vermin. It, therefore, requires special attention in storage, handling and disposal.

2. Ash -These are substances remaining from the burning of wood, coal, charcoal, coke and other combustible materials for cooking and heating in houses, institutions and small industrial establishments.

3. Rubbish - A general term for solid waste. Sometimes used to exclude food wastes and ashes.

4. Dust and Debris – These are wastes generated as a result of construction, refurbishment, repair and demolition of houses, commercial buildings and other structures. They consist mainly of earth, stones, concrete, bricks, lumber, roofing and plumbing materials, heating systems and electrical wires and parts of the general municipal waste stream.