Rubbish Theory: The Creation and Destruction of Value - New Edition

Rubbish is something we ignore. By definition we discard it from our lives and our minds and it remains outside the concerns of conventional economics. However this book explores the dynamics through which rubbish can re-enter circulation as a prized commodity in many cases far exceeding its original value. Antiques vintage cars and period homes after being discarded as valueless can even after many years become priceless. First published in 1979 Rubbish Theory has become foundational in its field. Today it is as relevant as ever. This edition includes a new afterword revealing how the consequences of our compulsion to discard are far from inevitable and going on to explore how we can transform our troublesome wastes into valuable resources.