Hard Rubbish
April 18th, 2008
Since moving to a new suburb, I’ve spent a lot of time prowling the streets looking at the houses and watching the behaviour of the locals. Over the last couple of weeks I have observed stacks of hard rubbish accumulating on the footpaths awaiting collection. The combinations of objects are invariably comic. These assemblages remind me of the work of Melbourne-based artist Patrick Pound who has taken photos of collections of all kinds over the years. His photographs of discarded mattresses and chairs sprang to mind recently as these are common items to be found on the street (see above)
During my forays into the neighbourhood I have found quite a few handy items which I have taken home to be used or eventually recirculated - a plastic paddling pool, a box of white bathroom tiles, assorted tools and a nice garden chair.
The street next to ours has been very popular for rubbish scavengers - on the night before it was due to be collected there were loads of cars slowing down and stopping to grab items which has just been put out. I saw a housewife trying to stuff two large bookcases into her boot in a frenzy of acquisitiveness. I’m impressed by the way a hard rubbish collection prompts a vigorous informal exchange of goods.
In Rubbish Theory, Michael Thompson comments on the disjunction between the economic decay and physical decay of objects. Long after objects have ceased to hold any significant economic value, they continue to exist as physical artifacts. Hard rubbish collections and other forums for exchange like opshops and garage sales draw attention to the life cycle of goods beyond their original ownership. Given the current emphasis on sustainability and ‘green’ thinking, opportunities for recycling like hard rubbish collections - which have been happening for years - are certainly preferable to the exclusive purchase and consumption of ‘new’ commodities. Not to mention their entertainment value for nosy passersby like myself.