Almost-Garbage
There are many things that are almost-garbage (things that people have not yet discarded). When something becomes garbage it DOES get thrown out, until then it is sliding in the direction of decay, obsolescence, or both.
You and your spouse might not agree on when to toss that "favorite" old t-shirt (one person's garbage is another person's almost-garbage).
Types/Categories
1. Almost-spoiled: Unpresentable, decayed, or ruined, etc., to the point that you almost-need a new one. (Very soft bananas, seven year old cars, old underwear.)
2. Almost-obsolete: There's a better version of what you have now, but the one you have is still good. (Gadgets and software often fall into this category. "Historical" and "landmark" buildings could be in this category.)
3. Almost-useless: Cheap and flimsy duplicates of things that are very inexpensive, things that you would only find useful if something unusual or strange happened. (An old spare tire.)
Examples
If you are still using a ten year old computer, you probably consider it almost-junk.
Most of the stuff in your garage or attic is probably almost-garbage (being "in storage," and on it's way out).
If you have a box of screws and you only need one to fasten the board, then the other ones are almost-garbage. A snow shovel in Florida is almost-useless, and almost-garbage in that it would cost more than it's worth to ship it to a friend Up North.
One man's garbage/junk might still be appreciated by another, and you can find most of it at re-seller outfits: garage sales, eBay, Craig's Lists, Goodwill, the Sally Ann, etc.
More Examples
Chicken substitute.
Previously useful things.
Useful in a children's game of hide-and-go-seek. The slab-on-grade foundation might still be of value to the land owner.
Still sort-of useful (especially if there is one at the Smithsonian for the late-night watchman).
May still have one last useful purpose.
