The importance of creating space for discussion between specialists lies at the heart of this volume. Many approaches to the study of past recycling and reuse enjoy shared methodologies and theoretical perspectives, so we can all learn from one another in this way. Furthermore, it is likely that the same agents were often responsible for the recycling (and to a lesser extent, reuse) of a whole range of materials, due to shared knowledge (e.g. of pyrotechnology), and because both activities have to do with the processing of waste. In this introductory chapter, we outline some of the key principles behind the creation of this volume, consider links between different chapters, and cast a light upon some of the ways in which the study of recycling and reuse can improve our understanding of the Roman economy.
