Robin Nagle

In a fascinating conversation, Dr. Robin Nagle, a clinical professor and author, dives into the world of waste management as a former NYC sanitation worker. She shares intriguing tales about the treasures found in trash and the surprising value of garbage. Topics include recycling myths, the plastic dilemma, and the future of waste management. Nagle also discusses the societal perceptions of sanitation workers and their essential role in public health. Expect insights on everything from mobsters in landfills to the ethics of disposal!

Landfills! Treasures in the trash! Corporate conspiracies! Composting! An instantly classic conversation with the incredibly knowledgeable, frank and wonderful Dr. Robin Nagle of New York University’s Liberal Studies! She is a clinical professor, author, TED speaker and former New York City sanitation worker and truly the best person on Earth to trash talk with. We cover what you can and can’t actually recycle, sticky mustard bottles, drugs in the trash, Swedish Death Cleaning, mobsters and landfills, Bitcoin in the dump, the future of garbage and exactly how screwed we are. Enjoy. More episode sources and linksOther episodes you may enjoy: Oceanology (OCEANS), Urban Rodentology (SEWER RATS), Space Archaeology (SPACE JUNK), Critical Ecology (SOCIAL SYSTEMS + ENVIRONMENT), Futurology (THE FUTURE), Disasterology (DISASTERS), Ursinology (BEARS), Eschatology (THE APOCALYPSE), Conservation Technology (EARTH SAVING), Scatology (POOP), Agnotology (IGNORANCE), Xylology (LUMBER)Sponsors of OlogiesTranscripts and bleeped episodesSmologies (short, classroom-safe) episodesBecome a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a monthOlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, masks, totes!Follow @Ologies on Twitter and InstagramFollow @AlieWard on Twitter and InstagramSound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam MediaTranscripts by Emily White of The WordaryWebsite by Kelly R. DwyerTheme song by Nick Thorburn

In this discussion, Robin Nagle, an anthropologist with the NYC Department of Sanitation and a clinical professor at NYU, dives deep into New York City's long history with its notorious rat population. She highlights the city's shift to containerization in waste management as a key strategy to tackle urban cleanliness and rat control. Nagle also reflects on the evolution of sanitation practices, from colonial times to modern reforms, showcasing the pivotal role of socio-economic factors and innovative leaders in shaping New York's sanitation landscape.