The very first time the word “trash” was referred to in computing parlance for deleted files was in 1982, on the Apple “Lisa” interface, when it was called the “Wastebasket.” It would later be called “Trash” for Apple MacIntosh users, with Apple going as far as suing other computer companies for using the word “Trash.” They lost most of their claims, but courts ruled that the “Trash” icon was protected by copyright. That’s why non-Apple computers use the synonyms recycle bin, smart eraser, or shredder.

It must be nice to have lawyers who can sue other companies for you! Personally, I like the word “rubbish” and if I could afford to copyright it – I would!