refuse archaeology

Refuse archaeology is the study of discarded materials and waste from past societies to understand their lifestyles, habits, and cultural practices. Researchers analyze items such as food remains, broken tools, and packaging found in trash heaps or ancient landfills. By examining these remnants, archaeologists gain insights into daily life, consumption patterns, social organization, and environmental interactions of communities throughout history. This approach reveals much about human behavior and societal changes over time, highlighting how past cultures adapted and evolved through their refuse.