In this exhibition we explore the history of rubbish disposal and recycling in its various forms. From using the edge of a sheet of stamps for sticking down reused envelopes to wrapping chips in newspaper, sensible people have always recycled.

Until the 1950s, almost everything was recycled or composted.

Do any of today’s children know what darning is?
Our grandmothers made rag rugs from discarded cloths and quilts from the wool left on hedges by sheep.

Our grandfathers soldered the holes in saucepans and hammered nails into the soles of their shoes.

In Africa people crush up old bottles to make beautiful beads, they turn old light bulbs into kerosene lamps.
What do we do? We put things in different bags or throw things into recycling skips and feel we have done our bit … Come and see how it used to be done with skill, artistry and invention.

There will also be an exhibition curated by young people about recycling and the County Council will have an opportunity to explain how our rubbish is recycled today.