Kitchen middens, also known as shell middens or refuse heaps, are ancient waste disposal sites where the remains of human activity and consumption accumulate over time. These sites provide a rich source of information about past lifestyles, diet, and environmental conditions. Some synonyms for kitchen midden include trash mound, garbage heap, refuse pile, and debris dump. These terms all refer to the same concept of human waste disposal areas, but differ in their connotations and historical usage. Regardless of the term, kitchen middens are essential archaeological sites that provide insights into human behavior and culture throughout history.