Archaeology of Garbage

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Viewing garbage as a crisis keeps us from dealing with it rationally

Archaeologist William Rathje of the University of Arizona directs the Garbage Project, which has sifted, sorted, and classified more than 100 tons of garbage over the past 20 years. This unique, hands-on analysis of cultural debris has given Rathje an intimate perspective on human behavior--what Americans really consume, and what they really throw away. In his new book, Rubbish! The Archaeology of Garbage, he challenges many people's views on the garbage "crisis"--such as whether it really exists.

Calling attention to a garbage "crisis" may encourage some people to behave more responsibly, but it may also prompt governments to take actions that have negative or even dangerous side effects, warns Rathje. …