Waste versus Rubbish

[Sallyna]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #102 "The Parliamentary Candidate (4)", question 3

'Well, we can't sell them at a profit,' said the tractor driver, 'because the imported ones are too cheap. So instead of letting them go to ........., you can have them!'

(a) loss
(b) disaster
(c) waste
(d) rubbish

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #102 "The Parliamentary Candidate (4)", answer 3

'Well, we can't sell them at a profit,' said the tractor driver, 'because the imported ones are too cheap. So instead of letting them go to waste, you can have them!'

Correct answer: (c) waste

Your answer was: incorrect
'Well, we can't sell them at a profit,' said the tractor driver, 'because the imported ones are too cheap. So instead of letting them go to rubbish, you can have them!'
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Why do u use waste instead of rubbish?

Thanks!
Sallyna

[Mister Micawber]

.
Go to waste is idiomatic, Sallyna.

go to waste:

Fail to be used or taken advantage of. For example, 'I hate to see such talent go to waste', or 'We bought so much food that some will be going to waste'. [c. 1500]
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber