"Everyone's Trash": Duncan Watson's Debut Novel

Duncan Watson, a member of the Keene Community and a leader in its solid waste program for over three decades is celebrating the launch of his debut book, "Everyone's Trash," later this month. The garbage-inspired work brings together the diverse threads of his personal experience in waste management – mixing humor, introspection and human-interest stories that have emerged from his decades at the "dump." The launch will be held on Nov. 15 at the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene, where Watson will share his journey with readers, celebrate the stories in the book and delve into the significance of "trash" in today's society. For Watson, the interest in waste management began in Northern California, where he spent some time as a teenager working at a small municipal recycling center. This formative experience laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion for the environment, and in his book, he humorously recalls this as his "personal trash journey." Before that, he spent some time as a child voice actor, voicing the famous football head, Charlie Brown of Peanuts. Eventually, he went on to settle here in New England, where he earned degrees from the University of New Hampshire and Antioch University. Since then, he's been at the forefront of Keene's recycling and waste management efforts, transforming the city's facilities. "Everyone's Trash" comes at the topic with a touch of humor added to factual insight, transforming the mundane topic of waste into an engaging, thoughtful narrative. In it, he argues that trash is more than discarded objects; it's a mirror of our habits, histories and even our connections with one another. According to Watson, every piece of trash has a story — from the single-use items we toss daily to the effort it takes to recycle them responsibly, the book shows the larger ecological footprint of every discarded item. He points to statistics, such as the average American's daily waste of five pounds, and uses them to illustrate the broader cultural and environmental issues tied to trash disposal. But he's quick to add a personal touch, giving readers glimpses into the colorful characters he's met along the way, making his perspective not just a fact-filled manual, but a heartfelt narrative about people's lives intersecting over their refuse. Watson also acknowledges the efforts of everyday recyclers, pointing out that "more people in the United States recycle than vote." By sharing his story, he aims to inspire readers to see recycling as more than a chore — it's a way to make a tangible difference in the world. Watson hopes his readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for their waste, as well as for the communities and environments affected by it. As he shares through his stories, the simple act of recycling can foster a culture of mindfulness, where every individual action contributes to a healthier planet. The book has already garnered praise from award-winning authors like Dayton Duncan and Sy Montgomery, who go on to note that the book "is about way more than recycling and trash. It's a poignant x-ray of a small city's soul — and a testament to the power of connection, compassion and community." Duncan similarly commends Watson's ability to turn his love for recycling into a meaningful, even "visionary" pursuit. Mike Durfor, former executive director of the Northeast Recovery Association, highlights Watson's capacity to capture the human element of waste management, saying "His skill as a recycling and waste professional is only surpassed by his ability to share heartfelt stories of humanity." "Everyone's Trash" is much more than a book about recycling; it's a memoir, a community portrait and a call to action. Duncan Watson's debut encourages readers to reconsider the role of waste in their lives and to recognize the transformative power of community-focused environmental practices. Join him on Nov. 15 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. to celebrate a remarkable career and a book that will make you look at everyday trash in a whole new light. For anyone interested in sustainability, local stories or the humor and heart found in unexpected places, copies will be available at the event and from local booksellers or online.