This month we welcome Lewis Herbert as our guest speaker. Lewis will present a fascinating account of how Cambridge has dealt with its waste over many centuries, from the Middle Ages right through to the present day. He will discuss the contribution of Cambridge-wide waste collections in reducing disease and avoidable death from the 1890s. The talk will also include the period from 1894 to the 1950s when burning rubbish at the Cheddars Lane Refuse Destructor was a major power source for the Pumping Station, now home to Cambridge Museum of Technology.  The only surviving nineteenth century combined waste and wastewater plant in the whole world can be seen at the Museum. The talk is informed by archaeological digs and contemporary accounts.

Lewis Herbert, more recently Leader of the City Council fromm 2014 to 2021, was Cambridgeshire County Council's first Recycling Officer from 1990, then its Head of Waste Management to 2003.  He played a major role, in partnership with the City Council, in raising household recycling from near nil towards the 50% it is now close to reaching, a major switch away from burying it all.   As a historian he has authored two UK histories of waste management and waste managers, both available online, focusing on the last 150 years. 

This (in-person) event will take place in the Pye Building at Cambridge Museum of Technology.  Entrance to the venue on the night is via the Museum’s upper gate on Cheddars Lane.  

There will be free light refreshments courtesy of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMECHE) 

Tickets for the event will be available on the door for £5 (£3 for students with ID).
Card-carrying members and volunteers of Cambridge Museum of Technology can attend for free. 

E-tickets are also available to purchase in advance: please bring an electronic or printed copy of your receipt: