I involve myself in charity events to give back to society while being a role model to my juniors. My team and I went to clean a certain town a few weeks ago.
As we were collecting the garbage, a friend mentioned some interesting symbolic and biblical meanings about garbage in a dream.
After the event, I was still curious to know more about dreams about garbage and any other meanings to them. I then decided to carry out immense research.
I read different spiritual and cultural books for a better understanding. I also consulted with my clergy to get his biblical perspective on the topic.
Last week, we discussed the meaning of garbage in dreams in an online forum I am part of when one member inquired about the biblical meaning of garbage in dreams.
Another member also wanted to know the spiritual reasons why you may see garbage in your dream. Since I had done immense research, I took the opportunity to share my findings on the forum.
So, here is my finding on the biblical meaning of garbage in a dream.
Although the Bible does not directly address the biblical meaning of garbage in a dream, various bible scholars suggest that this dream may mean that one needs to cleanse themselves and remove any sinful behavior in them that can lead them to perish.
So, join me until the end as I explore more about this topic. I will discuss the symbolic meaning of garbage in a dream, five biblical meanings of dreaming about garbage, and spiritual reasons why you see garbage in your dreams, among other interesting topics.
Symbolic meaning of garbage in a dream
Emotional garbage
Other people also believe that garbage in a dream symbolizes emotional garbage. Those who believe in this suggest that you may see garbage in your dreams if you have unwanted feelings piled up in you, which may include self-doubt, anger, and frustration.
Rejection
According to some people, garbage in a dream may symbolize rejection. Garbage is the waste that remains after everything good has been used up and is always regarded as dirty and unwanted.
Dreaming about garbage may mean you feel unwanted in society, so you feel useless.
Change
Some people also believe that garbage in a dream may symbolize change. In real life, we collect garbage to put it away, as we do not want it near us.
People suggest that having a dream about garbage may mean it is time for a real change, and you must “throw away’ any bad habits and become a new person.
Financial gain
Some people also imply that garbage in a dream can be a positive thing, as it may be a sign that you will receive financial support or will be successful in what you are doing, which will bring you good money.
Materialism
According to some people, garbage in a dream may symbolize materialism. It is believed that when you have excessive materialistic things that no longer have value, they may appear as garbage in your dream, as a sign to get rid of them.
Letting go
Other people also speculate that garbage in a dream may be a symbol of letting go. They suggest that seeing yourself getting rid of the garbage in your dream could mean that you are now ready to let go of the past and move on, which is a good sign of your growth.
Four biblical meanings of dreaming about garbage
Sin
Various bible scholars suggest that dreaming about garbage may biblically mean that you are full of sins and you need to stop falling into sin before it is too late.
The Bible reveals to us how garbage has been compared to something that is not of value to a believer through Philippians 3:8.
The author of this scripture reveals how he sees everything else as a complete loss compared to the knowledge of Christ. He reveals that for the sake of Christ, he has thrown everything away and considers them garbage so that he can gain Him.
Spiritual cleansing and redemption
Some religious scholars also suggest that having a dream about garbage may biblically imply that you must undergo spiritual cleansing and redemption.
Garbage is considered unclean in the Bible, and having a dream about garbage may mean that you are still involved in things that are making you spiritually impure, and you need to cleanse and redeem yourself.
A warning from God
According to other people, dreaming about garbage may be a warning from God that you need to change your ways and go back to him.
God used dreams in the Bible to deliver important messages to his people. Other people think that having a dream about garbage could be a message from God to mend whatever you are doing wrong.
Burden/shame
Several scholars also speculate that dreaming about garbage may biblically imply that you have something burdening you and are ashamed of something you committed.
They suggest that garbage may appear in your dream as something weighing you down, and you need to let go. Psalms 55:22 encourages us to leave our troubles with the Lord, as he will defend us.
Spiritual reasons why you are seeing garbage in your dreams
Unresolved issues
Some people suggest you may see garbage in your dreams if you have unresolved issues. They believe that you have some underlying issues troubling you, including conflicts with people close to you, emotions you have yet to express, or a goal you are trying too hard to achieve.
Those who believe in this suggest these issues may be piled up in your life, slowing your progression and hence showing up in your dream as garbage.
Need for change
According to other people, you may keep seeing garbage in your dreams as a sign for you to change certain aspects of your life.
They suggest that garbage in your dream may represent things that you are still holding on to or doing that are no longer useful in your life, and so you need to change them so that you can transform and grow.
Relationship issues
Most people also associate dreaming about garbage with relationship issues. They imply that you may dream about garbage because you have trust issues in your relationship and are no longer confident about your partner.
They also suggest that you may have doubts about your partner and if you should let them out of your life, the same way you would let garbage out of your house.
A sign to pay attention
Some people also speculate that you may see garbage in your dreams because you are not paying attention to your surroundings because of your carelessness.
They suggest that this dream may be a sign for you to stop neglecting things in your life or paying less attention to things that matter, lest they pile up like garbage.
Your physical health
Other people believe that seeing garbage in your dream may be related to your physical health, and it could be a sign to pay more attention to your health. They also suggest that this may mean you should drop your unhealthy habits and live a healthy lifestyle.
Betrayal
For some, dreaming about garbage may spiritually suggest that you will be betrayed by those you thought were your friends.
They imply that this dream may be a sign to show you how your friends will turn against you and use what you told them about yourself against you.
Different garbage dream scenarios and their biblical meanings
Dreaming of an empty garbage can
According to some people, dreaming about an empty garbage can may mean you are ready to let out anyone who does not bring out the best in your life.
They suggest that having this dream means you are ready to prioritize your feelings, even if it means losing some people.
Other people also suggest that dreaming of an empty garbage can, may mean that you should express yourself better. They suggest that this dream could suggest that you should stop pilling up negative thoughts or opinions inside of you, and they may explode at once, causing trouble.
Dreaming of throwing away garbage
Some people also believe dreaming about throwing away garbage may mean that you need to get rid of or let go of the negative emotions you have, like anxiety or anger, because they may be negatively affecting your life.
Other people also suggest that dreaming about throwing away garbage may mean that you do not like the behavior of someone close to you and don’t know how to confront them.
Some people also associate this dream with dissatisfaction in your life, where you may be displeased with some things in your life and do not know how to go about it.
Dreaming of sweeping garbage
Some people believe that if a person dreams about sweeping garbage, it may mean they will successfully complete a project they have been working on for a long time.
Other people also suggest that dreaming of sweeping garbage could indicate that you will have a solution to your problems and fix all the issues in your life.
According to others, dreaming of sweeping garbage could mean you are finally taking responsibility for your past actions and trying to make everything right again.
Dreaming about garbage bags
According to some people, the meaning of dreaming about garbage bags varies depending on the color of the garbage bags you dreamt about.
It is believed that if you dream about black garbage bags, then there is a possibility that you have multiple problems in your life and can’t seem to find a solution for them.
They also speculate that dreaming about white garbage bags may mean that you are having difficulties dealing with your feelings, whether they are positive or negative, and are, therefore, making you feel overwhelmed.
Others also suggest that dreaming about garbage bags may mean that you are getting yourself ready to get rid of any negative thoughts or feelings you have, opening your path for growth and transformation.
Dreaming about mountains of garbage
Some people believe that dreaming about mountains of garbage may mean that there is trouble in your relationship. They further suggest that this dream could mean you may feel overwhelmed because of these issues and feel like you are sunk in mountains of garbage.
Dreaming of garbage at the seashore
According to some people, dreaming about garbage at the seashore may be a sign of bad luck, as they suggest you may receive bad news.
They also imply that this dream could indicate that you will have problems in your life, and it is a sign for you to take action to prevent them.
Dreaming of being surrounded by garbage
Others believe that dreaming of being surrounded by garbage may mean you have the wrong attitude and need to change that.
Dreaming of a garbage truck
Some people believe that dreaming about a garbage truck may suggest that you are finally taking control of your life. It could mean you are tired of being controlled on what to do or how to act in life, and therefore, want to live your life according to your own terms.
For some, dreaming about a garbage truck may mean feeling unappreciated by those around you and feeling like you are being taken for granted.
They suggest this may be frustrating, as no one pays attention if you are okay or appreciate what you do in their lives.
Dreaming of a garbage dump
According to some people, dreaming about a garbage dump may mean that you are in a very messy situation and that you need to get yourself out before it is too late.
They also suggest that you may be in a situation you feel is no longer important to you and need to set yourself free. Those who believe in this suggest that this dream may be a sign for you to take action and eliminate whatever mess is in your life.
Dreaming about eating garbage
Some people believe that dreaming about eating garbage may mean you are uncomfortable in your life. Other people also suggest that dreaming about eating garbage may mean you have dark sexual desires that may be a little weird to others.
Dreaming about garbage in the water
Some people suggest that dreaming about garbage in water may mean that you are paying more attention to your growth and your spiritual nourishment journey.
They speculate that this dream may mean you have become self-aware and no longer vulnerable to others.
Other people also believe that having this dream could be a sign that someone is showing you love and is also encouraging you. They imply that this dream could also mean that you are on the right track and headed in the right direction.
What does dreaming about garbage mean in different cultures?
African Cultures
In some African cultures, dreaming about garbage is considered a good sign, as it may mean one will be wealthy or have good fortune.
Western cultures
Western cultures believe that dreaming about garbage is a bad sign, as it could mean that one is burdened by negative emotions, which may include shame or guilt, and are weighing them down.
Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, dreaming about garbage could indicate good luck, as they believe that finding money in garbage means you will receive good fortune.
What should you do when you dream about garbage?
Some people suggest that if you are a Christian and dream about garbage, it may be a sign that you need to let go of all the negative things you are doing that are leading you into sin and become a renewed person in Christ.
Other people also suggest that dreaming about garbage could indicate that negative emotions are affecting you, and you should practice meditation to release them.
For some, dreaming about garbage could be a sign that you own too much unnecessary baggage that you need to dispose of.
These people take this dream literally and suggest that you should try to declutter your house and make space for new things.
According to some people, if a Christian dreams about garbage, they should pray and ask God to reveal the meaning of the dream.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.
