dis ‧ pos ‧ al AC /dɪˈspəʊz ə l $ -ˈspoʊ-/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ disposal , ↑ disposable ; verb : ↑ dispose ; adjective : ↑ disposable ]
1 . [uncountable] when you get rid of something
disposal of
the safe disposal of radioactive waste
bomb disposal experts
2 . at sb’s disposal available for someone to use:
Tanner had a lot of cash at his disposal.
somebody is at your (complete) disposal (=someone is ready to help you in any way)
3 . [countable] American English a small machine under the kitchen ↑ sink which breaks vegetable waste into small pieces SYN waste disposal
4 . [uncountable] technical the sale of something you own such as a house, a business, or land:
The profit or loss on the disposal of an asset must be accounted for.
5 . [uncountable] formal the way in which an amount of money is used:
They had complete control over the disposal of the funds.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + disposal
▪ safe disposal
Talks were held on the safe disposal of nuclear weapons.
▪ illegal disposal
People were put at risk by the illegal disposal of clinical waste.
▪ waste disposal (=getting rid of unwanted materials or substances)
Most countries have improved their standards of waste disposal.
▪ refuse disposal formal ( also rubbish disposal British English , garbage disposal American English ) (=getting rid of things people throw out of houses, shops etc)
Refuse disposal is the responsibility of county councils.
▪ sewage disposal (=getting rid of waste water and waste products from toilets etc)
The city invested thousands in improved sewage disposal.
▪ bomb disposal (=getting rid of bombs before they explode)
The building was evacuated and a bomb disposal team moved in.
■ disposal + NOUN
▪ a disposal site (=place to put waste and rubbish)
The waste was sent by rail to a disposal site in Utah.
▪ disposal facilities
There are inadequate disposal facilities for toxic waste.
▪ a disposal problem
All cities have a waste disposal problem.