Ep 12. Garbage Pit Technician

In season 2, episode 12 of Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe takes on the role of a Garbage Pit Technician. In this episode, Rowe visits a landfill to get a firsthand look at what it takes to keep trash from piling up and polluting the environment.

Rowe starts the episode by meeting with his guide for the day, Jim the Garbage Pit Technician. Jim shows Rowe around the landfill and explains the process of waste management. Rowe observes as garbage trucks dump their loads into a large pit, which is then covered with layers of dirt and fabric to prevent odors and keep pests away.

Rowe quickly discovers that there is no shortage of work for a Garbage Pit Technician. They work long hours and deal with all kinds of waste, from household trash to industrial waste and hazardous materials. Jim tells Rowe about the dangers of working in a landfill, including the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and airborne pathogens.

As the day goes on, Rowe gets to work alongside Jim and the other technicians. He picks through piles of trash and debris, looking for hazardous materials and items that don't belong in the landfill. Rowe finds everything from old car batteries to medical waste, and Jim explains the proper way to handle each item.

In one particularly challenging scene, Rowe and Jim work to remove an old mattress from the landfill. The mattress is tangled up with other debris, making it difficult to move. Rowe and Jim have to use a large excavator to carefully extract the mattress without tearing it apart and spreading debris around the landfill.

Throughout the episode, Rowe learns about the importance of waste management and the impact of landfills on the environment. He interviews several experts on the topic, including a scientist who studies the effects of landfills on local ecosystems and a garbage truck driver who shares his experiences on the job.

Despite the dirty and dangerous nature of the work, Rowe finds respect for the Garbage Pit Technicians he meets on the job. He comes away from the experience with a deeper appreciation for the people who work to keep our communities clean and safe.

Overall, season 2, episode 12 of Dirty Jobs provides a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes work of waste management. It's an eye-opening episode that will make viewers think twice about what they throw away and where it ends up.