Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What happens to all the waste—including human waste—in Antarctica?
Originally published in 2020 on @pbsterra 🇦🇶
Under the Antarctic Treaty System, an international agreement to protect the continent, waste of any kind—garbage, human poop, you name it—can’t be left on the continent. So what happens to it? To find out, Caitlin and Arlo embark on their most peculiar Antarctic quest yet.
At McMurdo Station, as Caitlin discovers the surprisingly scientific methods of treating sewage with Lead Waste Water Operator and biologist Yubecca Bragg, Arlo meets with Waste Program Manager James VanMatre to find out what happens to all of the outpost’s other trash. Under the guidance of these waste enthusiasts, Caitlin and Arlo meet microscopic bristle worms, water bears, the “Muffin Monster,” and a quirky fleet of forklifts nicknamed “Pickles”—and they learn that dealing with Antarctica’s trash is as rewarding as it is important.
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What happens to all the waste—including human waste—in Antarctica?
Originally published in 2020 on @pbsterra 🇦🇶
Under the Antarctic Treaty System, an international agreement to protect the continent, waste of any kind—garbage, human poop, you name it—can’t be left on the continent. So what happens to it? To find out, Caitlin and Arlo embark on their most peculiar Antarctic quest yet.
At McMurdo Station, as Caitlin discovers the surprisingly scientific methods of treating sewage with Lead Waste Water Operator and biologist Yubecca Bragg, Arlo meets with Waste Program Manager James VanMatre to find out what happens to all of the outpost’s other trash. Under the guidance of these waste enthusiasts, Caitlin and Arlo meet microscopic bristle worms, water bears, the “Muffin Monster,” and a quirky fleet of forklifts nicknamed “Pickles”—and they learn that dealing with Antarctica’s trash is as rewarding as it is important.
📰 Stay up to date on the latest science discoveries, full episodes, articles, videos, and more by signing up for NOVA's newsletter here: to.pbs.org/4brCC7Y
▶️ Stream NOVA documentaries & more with PBS Documentaries on Prime Video: amzn.to/4hXBlsu
💙 Help us bring the universe closer to home. Your donation ensures that NOVA’s deep-space discoveries and quantum physics explorations remain free and inspiring for the next generation of scientists. Support fact-based storytelling today. bit.ly/48UnsrD
🌟 Follow on social for more NOVA content
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