I know, that's what I realize too, when I pick up a garbage I lose one length unit but a new apple is spawned somewhere else (let say apple type B) so in fact my potential length is maintained the same (I thought of it as a length bank when I was playing haha). Then I know I don't need to worry for the garbage but focus on the apple that is actually the one that the game spawns (say type A). However 2 types of apples look the same so I got confused sometimes. Seeing through this, on one hand, lets me know that I don't have to worry about losing, but on the other hand tells me that it would just take much longer to solve the puzzle that essentially *will certainly* be solved - which takes away the urge to continue.
P.S Also looking at the responses that you have in this submission page, I reckon people spent like less than 1 minute for your game? It's crazy how rushed playing game jams could be.