The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SOFTWARE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
S
O
F
T
W
A
R
E
More clues leading to the result SOFTWARE
- Stuff on computer mistaken for waste
- Floppy disks etc collected for waste
- Programs for waste regeneration
- A few sort out computer programs
- Computer programs for waste removing
- Foresaw changes, over time, in programs
- Computer stuff mistaken for waste
- Sort a few corrupt computer programs
- Computer application’s forte was crashing!
- Programmes that might sort a few out
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "programs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case programs = software.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SOFTWARE mean?
SOFTWARE noun- Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
- The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.