Introduction
Trash and garbage are words used to refer to the discarded materials which people have rendered worthless. It sometimes involves a collection of broken pieces of objects or the extractions of plant trimmings. Trash is a combination of all solid and semi-solid wastes that come mainly from domestic production. Garbage is grouped in different types depending on their source and methods of disposal. The common types of garbage categories are biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. The biodegradables consist mainly of common kitchen waste such as vegetables, greens and papers while the non-biodegradables consist of recyclable waste materials such as plastics, glass, metals among others.
Archaeological findings discovered that the type of wastes we dispose of from our households can reveal a lot of information about whom we are, what we do, our economic status, religious belief, marital status, political affiliation and the number of people in a given household. In a common household set-up, there are basic types of garbage that are disposed of on a routine basis. Such wastes include foodstuffs, furniture, packaging materials and yard clippings.
The volume and specifications of these waste products can reveal a lot of information about the household. For instance, due to the enclosed nature of many household facilities, it is not easy to establish the number of individuals in one dwelling place. This can be achieved through thorough analysis of garbage disposed. Frequent waste disposal may be a clear indication that frequent generation of wastes meaning that the members stay longer in their houses. Large amount of garbage maybe an indication that the number of individuals living in a household is relatively large in proportion to the wastes disposed.
Studies also reveal that frequent disposal of waste materials indicates the economic status of the household. It may be interpreted to mean that individuals are economically disadvantaged and thus maintain a small consumption budget made on regular intervals. But, it can also be indicate the economic wellness of a household who make regular visits to shopping malls. However, this aspect can be differentiated by conside3ring other factors and patterns of individuals disposal behaviors.
Other complex waste materials, viewed as hazardous include electronics, paints, pesticides, oils, certain types of cleaners among others. The gender and marital composition of a dwelling unit can be established through a thorough study of these unique waste products. For example, there is a high difference between masculine and feminist waste products. Women tend to have a number of make-up products that are rare in men. No one can fail to recognize the presence of an infant in a household as it is quite hard to withhold their waste product in the house.
Clothing and related fabrics cannot be ruled out as unimportant. The writings and any form of graffiti on the dressings provide important information about the religious and political affiliation of individuals in the household. Everyone is indeed familiar with major religion such as Islam, Christianity, Hindu and Buddhism. There is a clear cut line between their modes of dressing which give each group an identity. In addition, clothing can give information about political affiliation of individuals and also their favorite sporting activities.
Intimate relationships amongst members of a household can also be established. Presence of morning-after-pills packets, contraceptive packaging, and used up condoms indicate the presence of a couple who have a good time consummating their love. However, we cannot rule out the absence of other types of sexual orientation like lesbianism and gay. Disposed electronic equipment also reveals a lot about sexual orientation. This may be revealed by objects such as pornographic materials, vibrators and other related instruments. Therefore, care should be taken by whoever undertakes a study in garbage.