Ep 6. United States of Trash

Inside Man is a show that explores unconventional perspectives and reveals the untold stories behind some of America's biggest issues. Hosted by Morgan Spurlock, this show examines social, economic, and political matters through immersive experiences and interviews with experts and insiders. Season 3 episode 6, titled "United States of Trash," delves into America's waste management problem.

This episode starts with Morgan visiting a landfill in Akron, Ohio, where he meets Jim, a man who has been collecting garbage for over two decades. Jim takes Morgan on a tour of the landfill and shows him how the waste is dumped, compacted, and buried. According to Jim, the landfill is quickly running out of space, and he worries about the future of his job and the environment.

Morgan then goes to New York City, where he learns that the city produces around 12,000 tons of garbage every day. He speaks with sanitation workers, who describe the challenges they face in keeping the city clean and the impact of their work on their health. Morgan also meets with environmental activists who are working to reduce waste and promote recycling.

The episode then takes a turn as Morgan travels to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit a company that specializes in recycling. The company, called Republic Services, manages a massive recycling center that processes over 2 million pounds of recyclable materials every day. Morgan observes the recycling process and learns about the different types of materials that can be recycled, such as plastics, metals, and paper.

However, the episode highlights some of the challenges that come with recycling. For example, not all materials are easily recyclable, and contamination can be a significant issue. Morgan also learns about the economics of recycling and how market fluctuations can affect the industry.

From there, the episode shifts its focus to the "reduce" aspect of waste management. Morgan meets with a family in Montana who have adopted a zero-waste lifestyle. The family has made significant changes to their daily routines to minimize their waste output, such as composting, recycling, and using reusable containers.

Finally, the episode concludes with Morgan reflecting on the state of waste management in the United States. He acknowledges that while there is still much progress that needs to be made, people are becoming more aware of the need to reduce, reuse, and recycle. He emphasizes that everyone can play a role in reducing waste and calls on viewers to take action in their own communities.

In "United States of Trash," Inside Man tackles a crucial issue that affects everyone. The episode showcases the complex nature of waste management and the range of approaches that people are taking to address it. Through immersive experiences and interviews, the show presents a compelling and thought-provoking look at waste in America.