垃圾学，考古学家雷斯杰（Rathje）借由研究现代的垃圾，以了解现代人的生活方式，此种研究被称呼为垃圾学。其价值是在于提供了人类确实做了什么的证据。

Garbology is the study of modern refuse and trash as well as the use of trash cans, compactors and various types of trash can liners. As an academic discipline it was pioneered at the University of Arizona and long directed by William Rathje. The project started in 1973, originating from an idea of two students for a class project. It is a major source of information on the nature and changing patterns in modern refuse, and thereby, human society.