Trash Polka is a mixed technique form of tattooing that is created with various, non-limited components. Detailed photorealistic portraits can be presented in conjunction with graphic elements such as large black areas, brush strokes and geometric or abstract shapes. 

The tattoos are mainly in black and red, but other colours can also be used. It is often referred to the use of color contrasts known in art, such as a complementary contrast that creates the optical effect. Abstract designs combined with realistic designs are an important part of the tattoo style.

It is common that lettering with different fonts is used in tattoos. The majority of the original Trash Polka tattoos are made as large format pieces to suit the themes and elements. Trash Polka is a tattoo style created by tattoo artists Simone Pfaff and Volker Merschky in Würzburg, Germany.