National Take Out The Trash Day

Cheerful person in superhero cape and gloves, surrounded by overflowing trash bags, ready to conquer the battle against clutter.. — National take out the trash day illustration

Hey there, trash-takers and garbage-gurus! Get ready to roll up those sleeves and brace yourself for a day of epic clean-up. It's National Take Out the Trash Day, a special occasion when we put on our superhero capes (or aprons) and conquer the never-ending battle against trash and clutter. So grab your trash bags, get your sorting skills ready, and let's dive into the wonderful world of taking out the trash!

When is Take Out The Trash Day?

It's national take out the trash day on the 2nd December.

The Internet History of National Take Out the Trash Day

Believe it or not, National Take Out the Trash Day didn't start as a noble effort to declutter the world. Nope, it actually began as an amusing internet trend that spread like wildfire! The origins of this national day can be traced back to a viral video that was first posted in 2011. In the video, a fearless individual, armed with a trash can and a determination to clean up the mess, took the internet by storm. People were inspired by the video's catchy soundtrack, epic trash-throwing skills, and the infectious enthusiasm for tidying up.

The video quickly gained traction on social media, with people sharing their own trash-taking adventures using the hashtag #TakeOutTheTrashDay. It soon became a popular annual event celebrated on the first Saturday of December, where friends, families, and communities bonded over their shared passion for cleanliness and garbage disposal.

Since then, National Take Out the Trash Day has evolved beyond a simple viral video. It has become a rallying cry for environmental consciousness, promoting responsible waste management, and encouraging communities to come together for a cleaner and greener world.

Fun-Filled Trash Facts

Did you know that the average person produces over 4 pounds of trash every day? That's a lot of waste! If we piled up all the trash produced in the United States alone, it would reach the moon and back more than 25 times. So next time you take out the trash, remember that you're doing your part to keep our planet a little bit cleaner!

History behind the term 'Take Out The Trash'

1800s

Rise of urban living

As more and more people began to live in cities during the 19th century, the need to properly manage waste became apparent. As urban areas grew, so did the amount of trash generated by households and businesses. This led to the development of strategies to efficiently dispose of waste.

1907

Trash Bin Invention

In 1907, Arthur Williams, an African American inventor, patented the first practical design for a trash container. This invention revolutionized waste management by providing a designated receptacle for disposing of garbage. Prior to this, people would often dispose of their trash in open dumps or indiscriminately in the streets.

1920

The Invention of the Trash Can

In 1920, the first practical indoor trash can was invented by a man named William Kent. This invention revolutionized waste management in households by providing a designated container for collecting and storing trash. Prior to the invention of the trash can, people would often dispose of their waste in various ways, such as burying it or throwing it into open pits.

1884

Introduction of municipal trash collection

In 1884, the city of Philadelphia became the first city in the United States to implement a municipal trash collection service. This marked a significant shift in waste management practices as the responsibility of trash disposal was taken on by the city rather than individuals having to handle it themselves.

1947

Introducing Municipal Waste Collection Services

In 1947, municipal waste collection services began to become more widespread, particularly in urban areas. This meant that trash was no longer solely the responsibility of individual households to manage. Municipal waste collection services introduced the concept of regular trash pickups, providing a convenient method for residents to dispose of their waste. It also marked the start of a more organized and centralized approach to waste management.

1940s

Common Household Phrase

During the 1940s, as trash bins became more commonplace in households, the phrase 'take out the trash' started to emerge as a way to assign responsibility for disposing of the garbage stored in these containers. It entered the mainstream lexicon as a way to remind and delegate the task of removing the accumulated waste.

1960s

The Emergence of 'Take Out the Trash'

During the 1960s, the phrase 'take out the trash' started gaining popularity as a colloquial term for household chores. It referred specifically to the act of emptying the trash can and bringing it to the designated collection point for pickup. As households became more accustomed to the convenience of regular waste collection services, 'taking out the trash' became a regular and important part of maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment.

1950s

Rise of Convenience Culture

The 1950s saw the advent of convenience culture, where modern household appliances and technologies made life easier for individuals. Among these conveniences was the popularity of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat meals. As more families embraced this lifestyle, the need to discard waste from these convenient meals increased, further reinforcing the need to 'take out the trash' regularly.

Mid-1900s

Emergence of disposable culture

With the rise of convenience products and increased consumerism in the mid-1900s, there was a shift towards a more disposable culture. Packaging and single-use items became prevalent, resulting in a surge of trash production. As a result, the notion of taking out the trash became a common household chore.

1970s

Environmental Awareness

In the 1970s, during the rise of the environmental movement, the importance of waste management and its impact on the environment became more prominent. 'Take out the trash' remained a widely adopted phrase, but this era brought increased awareness about recycling, reducing waste, and the responsibility of proper disposal. Communities began implementing recycling programs, further shaping the conversation around 'taking out the trash'.

1986

Popularization through Media and Culture

The phrase 'take out the trash' further solidified its place in popular culture during the 1980s. It was commonly used in movies, TV shows, and books as a metaphor for getting rid of something undesirable or useless in one's life. This usage broadened the term's meaning beyond its household context and made it a widely recognized phrase associated with decluttering, purging, or eliminating negativity in various aspects of life.

1950s-1960s

Garbage collection becomes widespread

During the 1950s and 1960s, garbage collection services became widespread across many cities in the United States. This increase in availability of trash collection services made it easier for households to dispose of their waste, sparking the familiar ritual of taking out the trash on designated collection days.

Present

Ongoing Use and Diverse Interpretations

In the present day, 'take out the trash' continues to be a commonly used phrase with multiple interpretations. While it still retains its original household chore meaning, it has also evolved to encompass the concept of removing or eliminating unwanted aspects from different areas of life. From personal relationships to politics, 'taking out the trash' has become a metaphorical call to action, urging individuals to rid themselves of things or ideas that no longer serve a positive purpose.

1970s

Environmental awareness and recycling

In the 1970s, growing environmental concerns prompted the introduction of recycling programs. People started separating recyclable materials from regular trash to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Taking out the trash became more than just a chore; it became an opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Present Day

Symbolizes More Than Waste

Today, 'take out the trash' has expanded beyond its literal meaning. It has become a metaphor for removing negativity, eliminating unnecessary clutter, or getting rid of anything that is deemed unproductive or harmful. This phrase is often used in self-help and motivational contexts, making it a widely relatable term that spans across various aspects of life.

Present day

Symbol of responsibility and cleanliness

Today, the term 'take out the trash' has become symbolic of taking responsibility for one's actions, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Beyond its original meaning of physically disposing of household waste, it has come to represent the act of getting rid of negative influences, decluttering one's life, and maintaining cleanliness.

Did you know?

Did you know that it's estimated that up to 80% of what we throw away could be recycled? Recycling not only helps reduce waste, but it also conserves valuable resources and energy. So let's all do our part and recycle like champion trash warriors!