landfill archaeology

Landfill archaeology is the study of old waste deposits to understand past human activities. By carefully excavating and analyzing debris, tools, and other materials found in landfills, archaeologists learn about historical lifestyles, diets, industry, and environmental changes. This field helps trace how communities produced and disposed of waste over time, offering insights into societal habits, technological advancements, and economic conditions. It combines traditional archaeological methods with specialized techniques to interpret the significance of refuse, turning discarded materials into valuable historical records.