# Taking Out The Trash - A History of Trash in Western Civilization *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated February 2025* Sometimes I like to be a little weird and explore strange aspects of modern life ... just because. Who knows what might come of this knowledge but things like the history of the modern trash can fascinate me. So, let's take a look at the long and dirty history of trash cans. ## Trash Cans Are Relatively Modern Inventions When I first started looking into this topic, I assumed that since we have been producing trash virtually for as long as there has been civilization that trash cans would have a rich history too. While there was likely a receptacle for discarded items dating back thousands of years, the concept of organized municipal sanitation and removal of garbage to a distant place is a relatively modern one. In fact, garbage collection became an official service in 1875 in England. Along with this were formalized bins where residents would deposit their ashes from burned household waste.  Up until about this time most products used in the home could be easily discarded or consumed by fire. However, as United States and Europe were rapidly urbanizing and enjoying products that were "disposable" what worked previously simply wouldn't be sufficient. Products such as radios, disposable razors, kitchen appliances, packaged food, started to create massive amounts of trash that needed to be hauled away. Truthfully this trend had been growing since the 1750's in England where calls for a municipal waste removal authority were continually rejected. Only some of it would be recovered during these years as coal ash dust was a valuable commodity for brick-making and soil improving so it was recovered to support those industries. As public health became more of a concern in London the city would eventually pass the [Public Health Act of 1875](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Health_Act_1875) requiring all households to deposit their weekly wasted in "moveable receptacles for disposal". The modern trash can was born! In 1895, [New York City](https://www.mantripping.com/united-states/new-york-state/new-york-city.html) would become the first US city to have a similar public-sector garbage management authority. ## Garbage Trucks Took Years To Develop With men going door to door collecting trash, a new type of vehicle was ultimately required. Originally the rubbish was collected by wagons pulled by horses with open beds designed to dump their loads. By the 1920s though, closed body trucks designed to contain the odors and featuring mechanical dumping mechanisms began to appear in England. The Garwood Load Packer released in 1938 was the first modern truck that included a closed body and a hydraulic compactor like we see today. ## Trash Cans Become Part of Modern American Life Following WWII With the move to the suburbs and an explosion in consumerism trash cans became a standard part of American life. As more and more trash was produced however, the simple trash can began to become specialized. For instance, by the 1960s Americans began sorting their garbage for recycling and by the 1980s residential garbage cans began to be standardized so that it was easier for mechanized garbage trucks to grab and dump them into the hopper. Additionally, specialized trash cans started to be produced. For instance, "bear proof" trash cans to prevent animals from tearing into your trash. More recently terrorism became a concern leading to the rise of Homeland Security Compliant Trash Cans. In Europe and America these cans are becoming increasingly popular since they feature clear walls and even clear bags to make them less of hiding space for those wishing to do evil. ## The Trash Bag Was Invented in 1950 Canadian inventors Harry Wasylyk and Larry Hansen invented the plastic trash bag in Mr. Wasylyk's kitchen out of waterproof polyethylene. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 25 February 2019 Last Updated: 26 February 2025 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery Feb 23, 2026 [Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/alaska-more-than-just-natural-beauty-wonder-unique-culture-traditions.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Best Massachusetts Mancation Ideas Jul 26, 2016 [Best Massachusetts Mancation Ideas](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/best-massachusetts-mancation-ideas.html) #### Tips for Renting a Car for a Road Trip Jun 26, 2024 [Tips for Renting a Car for a Road Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tips-for-renting-a-car-for-a-road-trip.html) #### Guy's Trip on MSC World America: European Luxury Meets Caribbean Adventure Apr 17, 2025 [Guy's Trip on MSC World America: European Luxury Meets Caribbean Adventure](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/guys-trip-msc-world-america-european-luxury-american-comfort.html) ### Latest Gear & Gifts Guide #### Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist Mar 31, 2026 [Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/jowissa-lewy-9-swiss-chronograph-review.html) #### This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season Mar 28, 2026 [This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/step2-raised-planter-box-review.html) #### Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop Mar 26, 2026 [Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/kenmore-aqualite-wet-dry-vac-review-ive-been-using-it-weekly-and-its-replaced-my-mop.html) ### Related Articles #### Why Weight Loss After 40 Hits Different - And What Actually Works [Why Weight Loss After 40 Hits Different - And What Actually Works](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/why-weight-loss-after-40-hits-different-and-what-actually-works.html) #### Five Tech-Forward Ways to Kill Time on a Road Trip [Five Tech-Forward Ways to Kill Time on a Road Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/tech-forward-ways-to-kill-time-on-a-road-trip.html) #### Here's How to Help Your Wife Look Great When You Go Out Together [Here's How to Help Your Wife Look Great When You Go Out Together](https://www.mantripping.com/style-and-fashion/help-your-wife-look-great-when-going-out.html) #### What to Look for When Buying Botanical Products Online [What to Look for When Buying Botanical Products Online](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/buying-botanical-products-online.html) #### From Huawei Watch 2 to COROS Pace 4: What A Decade of Reviews Taught Me About Screens [From Huawei Watch 2 to COROS Pace 4: What A Decade of Reviews Taught Me About Screens](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/gps-watch-display-types-mip-amoled-solar-explained.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html?view=html&id=1) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She's helped hundreds of first-time cruisers choose the right ship, cabin category, and itinerary. She'll walk you through what to expect and what to avoid. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [Taking Out The Trash - A History of Trash in Western Civilization](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/all-about-trash-cans.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)