Heritage and waste in the Anthropocene: A museum perspective on environmental and social complexities

Abstract

The relationship between heritage and waste in the context of the Anthropocene has always been intricate. Historically, heritage and waste were viewed as opposing concepts, but in the Anthropocene, they are inextricably linked and interwoven, resulting in the creation of in situ and ex situ productions that leave deep imprints on their territories. How we deal with these landscapes of waste, or wastescapes, as a form of modern heritage is increasingly a concern for museums, which have a potentially pivotal role in addressing the phenomenon of global waste and educating the public about responsible consumption. The review of diverse exhibitions and artworks explores the cultural and social dimensions of waste, considering it as a form of modern heritage derived from and shaped by human activities that have become a planetary phenomenon in the twenty-first century. It also unveils the connections between economic power, waste management, and environmental impact. In conclusion, current museum practice responds to a reevaluation of what is considered material culture, understanding it as testimonies of the present, with the aim of highlighting the role of museums as platforms for critically examining complex issues related to waste, enabling diverse ways of addressing the environmental and social injustices associated with waste management.