The Archaeology of Recycling

Since the rise of the global sustainability movement in the 1970s, the three R’s - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - have been an important guiding principle for tackling the alarming rates of single-use objects that have become the norm in our society.

These simple but effective principles have a much longer history than previously recognised, which is being revealed through archaeological studies worldwide.

This talk by archaeologist and curator Candace Richard will introduce the archaeology of recycling, exploring the different methods ancient peoples employed to reuse and recycle everyday items. Examples from the museum's own collections combined with case studies from around the world will highlight creative practices of reuse and demonstrate how archaeological studies can inspire new, and old, solutions to our current global sustainability efforts.

The talk is presented as part of the program of National Archaeology Week 2026.