basurero

/bah-soo-REH-roh/

trash can

A 'basurero' can refer to a container used for waste, like a trash can.

basurero(noun)

mA1

trash can

container for waste

Also:

garbage bin

container for waste

wastebasket

small office or bedroom bin

📝 In Action

Por favor, tira ese papel en el basurero.

Please, throw that paper in the trash can.

El basurero de la cocina está lleno.

The kitchen trash can is full.

Word Connections

Synonyms

bote de basura (trash can (common in Mexico))
papelera (wastepaper basket)
cubo de basura (trash bucket (common in Spain))

Common Collocations

vaciar el basurero – to empty the trash can
bolsa de basurero – trash bag

💡 Grammar Points

Matching with 'The'

Since this word is masculine and ends in 'o', you use 'el' for one (el basurero) and 'los' for more than one (los basureros).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Don't confuse with 'basura'

Mistake: "Tira la basura en la basura."

Correction: Tira la basura en el basurero.

⭐ Usage Tips

Inside vs. Outside

While 'basurero' can be used for any bin, 'papelera' is often used specifically for small bins used for paper in offices or bedrooms.

A person in a bright orange safety vest holding a large trash bag.

In many contexts, 'basurero' refers to the person whose profession is to collect garbage.

basurero(noun)

mA2

garbage collector

profession

Also:

trash man

informal

sanitation worker

formal

📝 In Action

El basurero pasa por esta calle todos los martes.

The garbage collector comes by this street every Tuesday.

Word Connections

Synonyms

recolector de basura (waste collector)

Common Collocations

camión del basurero – garbage truck

💡 Grammar Points

Talking about women

If you are referring to a female garbage collector, the word changes to 'la basurera'.

A large pile of colorful discarded items and bags in an open field.

The word 'basurero' is also used to describe a dump or a place where waste is gathered.

basurero(noun)

mB1

dump

a place for waste or a messy room

Also:

landfill

large waste management site

📝 In Action

Llevaron los muebles viejos al basurero municipal.

They took the old furniture to the municipal dump.

¡Tu cuarto parece un basurero!

Your room looks like a dump!

Word Connections

Synonyms

vertedero (landfill)

Idioms & Expressions

Hecho un basurero – Extremely dirty or messy

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: basurero

Question 1 of 1

If you want to tell someone their bedroom is very messy, which meaning of 'basurero' would you use?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

basura(trash) - noun

basurita(a speck of dust / tiny bit of trash) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'basurero' offensive when referring to a person?

Generally, no, it is a standard term. However, using 'recolector de residuos' or 'trabajador de limpieza' is more formal and polite in professional settings.

What is the difference between 'basurero' and 'papelera'?

A 'basurero' is usually a general trash can (like in a kitchen), while a 'papelera' is specifically a small bin for paper (like under a desk).