properly disposed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "properly disposed of" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means to get rid of something by throwing it away or in some other appropriate way. For example, "We made sure all the hazardous materials were properly disposed of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The stench of carcasses not properly disposed of has led to fears of a fresh outbreak of disease.

The Guardian

Most of the 300,000 tonnes of PCBs produced in Europe is thought to still be on land and much has yet to be properly disposed of, said Jepson: "There is a lot more PCB to work its way through the system".

The Guardian

"You don't want to have contact with formaldehyde on your skin for prolonged periods of time, and we would rather that the items be returned so that we can make sure the formaldehyde, and the organs are properly disposed of," Lt. Larson told FOX6.

Huffington Post

In any case, recycling does not really address plastic pollution, since recycled plastic is "properly" disposed of, whereas plastic pollution comes from improper disposal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If this sediment is removed but not properly disposed of, it can become a secondary pollutant.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

But much of the plastic made on land becomes marine debris because it is not properly disposed of in landfills or at recycling plants.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Call your local hazardous materials disposal center and ask how to properly dispose of the waste water according to your local regulations.

WikiHow

Properly dispose of unused medications.

Harvard University

How Do I Properly Dispose of My Unwanted Medications?

Yale University

And they do not have the thousands of dollars required to properly dispose of them.

The New York Times

The report also criticized Unicor for not properly disposing of toxic waste.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about waste management or environmental safety, specify the method of disposal when using "properly disposed of". For instance, state "the chemicals were properly disposed of through incineration" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "properly disposed of" without specifying how something should be disposed of. Saying "ensure items are properly disposed of" is less effective than saying "ensure electronic waste is properly recycled at certified facilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly disposed of" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an object or substance has been discarded or eliminated in an appropriate and compliant manner. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase commonly appears in contexts concerning waste management, environmental regulations, and safety procedures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "properly disposed of" signifies the act of discarding something in accordance with established regulations or guidelines, ensuring minimal harm or environmental impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. Usage guidance suggests specifying how an item is disposed of for clarity, and related phrases such as "correctly discarded" or "safely discarded" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. Remember to consult local regulations to ensure compliance when disposing of various materials.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correctly discarded

Focuses on the accuracy of the discarding action, emphasizing that it was done according to rules or guidelines.

safely discarded

Emphasizes the safety aspect of disposal, highlighting that it poses no risk.

appropriately discarded

Stresses that the disposal method matches the nature or regulations related to the item.

responsibly discarded

Implies that the disposal was done with awareness of environmental or social impact.

suitably discarded

Highlights the fitness of the chosen disposal method for the specific item.

duly discarded

Indicates that the action was carried out according to what is required or expected.

handled with care and discarded

Adds the element of careful handling before the item is discarded, highlighting caution.

eliminated safely

Shifts the focus to elimination and using a safe method.

managed and discarded effectively

Emphasizes both the process of managing the item and the effectiveness of its disposal.

treated and disposed of correctly

Highlights the pre-disposal treatment of the item and the correctness of the disposal itself.

FAQs

What does "properly disposed of" mean?

The phrase "properly disposed of" refers to discarding something in a way that follows regulations, safety guidelines, or best practices to minimize harm or environmental impact.

What are some synonyms for "properly disposed of"?

Alternatives to "properly disposed of" include "correctly discarded", "safely discarded", or "responsibly discarded" depending on the context.

How can I ensure something is "properly disposed of"?

To ensure something is "properly disposed of", research local regulations and guidelines for specific items, use designated recycling or disposal facilities, and follow instructions for hazardous materials.

Is it always necessary to specify how something is "properly disposed of"?

While not always required, specifying the disposal method (e.g., "recycled", "incinerated", "landfilled") adds clarity and demonstrates a thorough understanding of responsible waste management.