EverydayIntermediate
Asking how to sort the trash in English
Everyday English for asking how to sort the trash. Key line: “Hi, could you show me how to sort this trash?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, could you show me how to sort this trash?
Them
Sure—what have you got, an empty cup and a lid?
Lin
Yeah, the cup's empty, but it still looks confused.
Them
Around here, the cup goes in general trash, lid in plastic.
Lin
Got it. Do I need to rinse anything, or just empty it?
Them
Just empty it. If it's dripping, give it a quick rinse.
Lin
Perfect. I didn't want to start a bin drama.
Them
You're fine—the bins only judge people who guess wildly.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask
✓ Could you show me how to sort this trash?polite way to ask
Polite opener; show me how to is common
Local
✓ Around here, ...the rule here...
for local rules or habits
Follow-up
✓ Do I need to rinse anything?ask if it needs rinsing?
Useful follow-up about the steps
Fix
✓ Give it a quick rinse.Rinse it briefly.
quick = briefly
Quick answers
Ask: what to say in English
Say “Could you show me how to sort this trash?” — polite way to ask. Polite opener; show me how to is common.
Local: what to say in English
Say “Around here, ...” — the rule here. for local rules or habits.
Follow-up: what to say in English
Say “Do I need to rinse anything?” — ask if it needs rinsing. Useful follow-up about the steps.
Fix: what to say in English
Say “Give it a quick rinse.” — rinse it briefly. quick = briefly.