WTF Is Wastebasket And How Do I Use It?

Wastebasket is an app for drafting, not editing. It's here so you can get the words down without distraction. There's no spelling or grammar checking. There are no AI writing tools. Wastebasket can hardly do anything. You can't even make something bold. That's on purpose.

To use Wastebasket, just start typing. Nobody cares if you make a mistake. Just hit enter once or twice and keep going. You can fix it later. When you're done writing, there's a copy button that copies everything you've written so you can paste it somewhere else (I like Obsidian). If you want, you can also save a copy to your device. Don't like what you wrote or want to start again? Toss the current draft in the wastebasket (get it?). That's about it.

More Cool Things About Wastebasket

  • Your data IS NOT stored in the cloud. Everything you write is stored on your device by your browser. If you quit the app, turn off your computer and come back later, it should still be there, but no promises. Save those words if you think you might want them later.
  • This app works offline so you can use it on an airplane or one of those places that Instagram people go where there's no Wi-Fi.
  • Wastebasket doesn't track you. I don't know who you are, I don't have any idea what you're writing, and I don't collect or sell any data about you.
  • Wastebasket is open source. This means, unlike most software on your computer, you can modify or create derivatives of Wastebasket as long as those works use the same license. Check out Wastebasket on GitHub.

Wastebasket is made with ❤ by Michael Verdi.

Chip in a few dollars to support Wastebasket.

Below are the terms of service and privacy policy. They are written in real human language and won't take you but about 3 minutes to read.

Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

Last updated: Nov. 13, 2025

Hello! Wastebasket (the "app") is designed to be simple, private, and distraction-free. By using the app, you agree to the following Terms of Service and Privacy Practices.

1. What Is Wastebasket

This is a free, open-source writing app you can use directly in your browser. There are no accounts, no logins, and no cloud storage. Everything you create stays on your device unless you choose to export it yourself.

2. Your Content

  • Anything you type or create in the app is yours, not mine (Michael Verdi).
  • I don't store your writing on my server (I don't run any storage backend at all).
  • The app uses local storage or your device's file system. It does this only to save your work locally. Nothing is uploaded anywhere.

3. Acceptable Use

Please don't use the app to do anything illegal, harmful, or disruptive. If you break the law using the app, that's on you, not me.

In addition, use of this website by Nazis (neo-Nazis, white supremaists, white separatists, white nationalists, alt-right, etc.) is prohibited. If you're a Nazi, fuck off.

4. No Warranty

The app is provided “as is.” I try to keep it running reliably, but I can't guarantee perfect uptime or bug-free behavior. Use it at your own discretion.

5. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent allowed by law, I am not liable for any loss of data, damages, or issues resulting from using the app — including crashes, browser problems, device failures, or your own accidental deletion of work.

6. Privacy: What I Don't Collect

I built the app to avoid unnecessary data collection. Specifically, I do not:

  • Collect personal information
  • Require accounts
  • Store your documents
  • Use cookies or tracking identifiers
  • Share or sell any data

I don't track you as an individual, and I have no way to know who you are (unless you email me and tell me about all the shitty drafts you wrote with Wastebasket).

7. Privacy: Simple Analytics

I use Simple Analytics, a privacy-focused analytics service, to understand general usage patterns — such as how many people use the app, what types of devices they use, and how long sessions last.

Simple Analytics:

  • Does not use cookies
  • Does not track individuals
  • Does not fingerprint devices
  • Provides only anonymous, aggregated statistics

Review their privacy approach.

I use this data solely to improve the app and I make it public. You can view the data here: https://dashboard.simpleanalytics.com/wastebasket.app

8. Third-Party Services

The only third-party service involved is Simple Analytics, described above. There are no other integrations that access your content.

9. Children's Privacy

This app does not collect personal data from anyone, including children. However, the app does contain occasional strong language (for example, section 3 above's note on the prohibition of use by Nazis). Because of this, the app may not be appropriate for younger users. Parents or guardians should decide whether the app is suitable for their children.

10. Open-Source License (AGPL)

This app is open-source software released under the GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL) version 3. You are free to view, share, and modify the source code under the terms of that license. A copy of the AGPL is available at: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/agpl-3.0.html

You can access the full source code for this app at: https://github.com/Verdi/Wastebasket

By using the app, you agree that any modifications or derivative works you deploy or distribute must also comply with the AGPL.

11. Changes to These Terms

If I change these Terms or the Privacy Policy, I will update this page with the new version and the date of the update.

12. Contact

If you have any questions, feedback, or concerns, contact me at: hello@michaelverdi.com

OK, if you've made it this far, you are, statistically, an unusual person. Now, please, quit reading this and go write something already.
— Michael