society

The Power of Waste

The Power of Waste

This chapter from the virtual exhibition “The Life of Waste” considers the ways in which waste relates to power. It aligns with power structures, can be an empowering feature, or possess power in and of itself.

About the Exhibition

About the Exhibition

This chapter introduces the virtual exhibition “The Life of Waste.” Historian Simone M. Müller discusses six truisms of waste, namely “everything is waste, waste is a matter of perspective, waste needs to be managed, waste is life, waste has power and waste has an expiration date.”

Toxic Exports: The Transfer of Hazardous Wastes from Rich to Poor Countries

Jennifer Clapp examines the nature of international trade in toxic waste and the roles of multinational corporations and environmental NGOs. Waste transfer has become a routine practice for firms in industrialized countries and poor countries accept these imports but struggle to manage the materials safely. She argues that governments have failed to recognize the voices of protest.

Making a Green Machine: The Infrastructure of Beverage Container Recycling

Finn Arne Jørgensen examines the development of the Scandinavian beverage container deposit-refund system, which has the highest return rates in the world, from 1970 to the present day. He reveals the challenges faced when the system was exported internationally and explores the critical role of technological infrastructures and consumer convenience in modern recycling.

Data Refuge

Data Refuge is a community-driven, collaborative project to preserve public climate and environmental data. When we document the many ways diverse communities use data, we can also advocate for future data.