Up the Hill, Down the River and into the Caves: A Historical Political Ecology of Waste and Discard in Socialist Yugoslavia

Waste and waste disposal are highly topical and ever-present issues which are receiving increased attention due to the level of waste pollution in today's world. Beyond its environmental impact, waste reveals much about the economic systems we live in, our relationship with nature, social inequalities, and cultural values. By examining how societies discuss and manage waste, we can uncover deeper insights into societal and environmental transformations.

This research project takes a historical and human-centered anthropological approach to investigate how waste was perceived and managed in socialist Yugoslavia. It challenges two common perceptions of socialism: one as a wasteful economic system, and the other as a society where recycling eliminated waste entirely. Instead, the study explores the nuanced reality of waste in Yugoslavia, asking key questions: Which types of waste were considered environmental problems, and who shaped these discussions? How did waste impact people’s lives and the environment? The project focuses on four themes: 1) how waste was discussed and understood, 2) how it was managed, 3) where it ended up, and 4) how it affected those living near it. By addressing these questions, the research aims to uncover how waste was defined, who decided how it should be handled, and how these decisions influenced society, politics, and the environment.

The project’s innovative approach blends environmental history, political ecology, and anthropology to shed light on the political and human factors of waste and its disposal in the past. In doing this, it offers a fresh perspective on waste as more than just trash; that is, as a lens through which we can understand cultural, social, and political dynamics. With its interdisciplinary approach, the research project invites to reflect on the hidden stories of waste, its profound impact on our world, and our relationship with the environment.