Noncombustible

     In such an international event or convention, I often learn new English words. At that time, I sometimes understand the real meaning and usage of the words or phrases that have been memorized in the wrong way.
     I didn't know the word "noncombustible" until I saw the signboard that is shown in the picture below. The separation of trash is obligated in Japan. We have to separate combustible from noncombustible trash.
     I don't know why, but as far as I know, the word "burnable/nonburnable" is more frequently used than "combustible/noncombustible" as the English translation in Japan. It seems that "combustible/noncombustible" is more popular in the U.S. according to my dictionary. Anyway, I shall use "combustible/noncombustible" opposed to "burnable/nonburnable".

(Vocabulary)
separate combustible from noncombustible trash
  燃えるごみと燃えないごみを分ける
  日本の自治体ではしばしばburnable/nonburnableという英訳を使うが、combustible/noncombustibleのほうが普通と英辞郎には書いてある。

Comments

[KUMO]

Thanks for your remarks. I got it.

[Sarah]

To be honest, combustible refers more to a substance's ability to explode
COM= Together
BUST= explode/rupture
IBLE= able

Burn able is referring to a substance's ability to burn. I would say that it is really up to the speaker, but I use burnable more often.