description William Rathje Overview
William Rathje was an American archaeologist best known for founding the Garbage Project at the University of Arizona in 1973. The project applied archaeological excavation, classification, and quantitative analysis to modern household refuse and landfills, comparing discarded material with what people reported consuming. His work demonstrated how contemporary waste can reveal patterns of behavior that surveys and personal recollections may not accurately capture.
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What is William Rathje's Garbage Project?
Founded by William Rathje at the University of Arizona in 1973, the Garbage Project applied archaeological methods to modern household refuse. It systematically excavated and classified trash to understand human consumption patterns.
Why did an archaeologist study modern garbage?
Rathje realized that what people report throwing away often differs from what is actually in their trash. By applying archaeological excavation to landfills, he found objective data about what society actually consumed and wasted.
What did William Rathje discover in landfills?
Through his research, Rathje discovered that certain items, like paper and construction debris, took up vastly more landfill space than the public believed. He also found that organic materials like hot dogs can mummify rather than biodegrade in compacted landfills.
What university did William Rathje found the Garbage Project at?
He founded this innovative subfield of archaeology at the University of Arizona. The project bridged the gap between traditional archaeology and modern sociology.
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