garbology

Garbology is the study of waste and garbage to understand human behavior, consumption patterns, and societal trends. By analyzing trash—such as plastics, food scraps, and packaging—researchers can gain insights into economic activity, environmental impact, and cultural habits. It helps identify what people throw away most, revealing preferences, habits, and potential areas for waste reduction or recycling. Essentially, garbology turns discarded materials into valuable data, offering a window into how societies produce and manage waste, which can inform environmental policies and sustainability efforts.