Crossword Genius

Criticises Eastern States on waste (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rubbishes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'criticises' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'eastern states on waste' is the wordplay.
'eastern states' becomes 'es' (this might be a standard abbreviation of which I'm unaware).
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'waste' becomes 'rubbish' (rubbish is a kind of waste).
'es' after 'rubbish' is 'RUBBISHES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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