Crossword Genius

Poor quality green recyclables on these tips... (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

grot

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'poor quality' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'green recyclables on these tips' is the wordplay.
'tips' says to take the initial letters (tip can refer to the top end of something).
The initial letters of 'green recyclables on these' is 'GROT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for grot that I've seen before include "Refuse" , "Rubbish (slang); picturesque cave (poet.)" , "tat" , "Filth" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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