To dispose of something means to get rid of it or throw it away in a proper and appropriate way. When you dispose of trash, you put it where it belongs: in the garbage can, recycling bin, or compost heap. After a picnic, you might dispose of paper plates and napkins. Hospitals must carefully dispose of medical waste in special containers to keep everyone safe.

The word carries a sense of doing something properly and completely. When you dispose of something, you handle it responsibly and put it in the right place. You wouldn't say you disposed of your jacket when you dropped it on the floor, because disposal means dealing with something deliberately and appropriately when you no longer need or want it.

Dispose can also mean to arrange or position things, though this usage is less common today. More often, you'll hear the phrase disposed to, meaning inclined or willing to do something: “After studying hard all week, she felt disposed to relax on Saturday.” If someone is well-disposed toward you, they have friendly feelings and are inclined to help or support you.

The related word disposal refers to the act of getting rid of something, or it can mean having something available for use. When something is at your disposal, it's available for you to use whenever you need it.