Trash Truck - Trashimal (S1E10)
Hank wishes he could live more like Trash Truck and his animal friends but realizes there are things he'll miss too much — like non-moldy meals!
| Runtime (min) | 14 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2020-11-10 |
| Genres | Animation, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
In this episode, Hank becomes fascinated with the carefree lifestyle of Trash Truck and his animal friends. He watches them eat whatever they find, sleep wherever they want, and live without the rules and routines that structure his own days. Inspired by their freedom, Hank decides he wants to live like a "trashimal" too, embracing the wild, unstructured life of his friends.
Hank's experiment with animal living quickly reveals some uncomfortable realities. He discovers that eating food found outdoors often means dealing with mold, dirt, and unpleasant flavors. Sleeping outside without a cozy bed proves less comfortable than he imagined, and the lack of structure begins to feel more chaotic than liberating. By the end of his adventure, Hank gains a new appreciation for the comforts of home, including fresh meals and a warm bed, while still valuing the unique friendship and perspective his animal companions bring to his life.
What kids learn
Children learn about perspective-taking and appreciating what they have through Hank's experiment with living like his animal friends. The episode demonstrates that while it's natural to be curious about different lifestyles, every way of living has both advantages and challenges. Hank's realization that he misses fresh food and his comfortable bed teaches children that it's okay to prefer certain comforts without diminishing the value of other experiences.
The episode also explores the concept of empathy and understanding. By trying to live like Trash Truck and the animals, Hank gains deeper insight into their daily experiences and challenges. This hands-on approach to understanding others helps children see that walking in someone else's shoes, even temporarily, can build stronger friendships and mutual respect.
Additionally, the story reinforces that gratitude doesn't mean rejecting adventure or curiosity. Hank can appreciate his home life while still enjoying his time with his unconventional friends. Children learn that being thankful for what they have and being open to new experiences aren't mutually exclusive, and that sometimes trying something different helps us recognize the good things we might otherwise take for granted.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode appropriate for teaching my child about food safety? | The episode actually reinforces good food safety habits by showing the negative consequences of eating found or moldy food. Hank's discomfort with the food he encounters while living like an animal serves as a natural teaching moment about why we prepare and store food properly. The story doesn't glamorize unsafe eating practices but instead shows why fresh, properly handled meals matter. |
| Will this make my child want to sleep outside or reject their bedtime routine? | The episode is more likely to reinforce appreciation for bedtime comforts than undermine routines. Hank discovers that sleeping outside isn't as appealing as it seemed, which helps children understand why their bed and bedroom provide important comfort and rest. The story validates curiosity about different experiences while ultimately affirming the value of home routines. |
| What's the main message about friendship in this episode? | The episode teaches that good friends can have very different lifestyles and still care about each other. Hank doesn't need to become exactly like Trash Truck and the animals to maintain their friendship. Children learn that understanding and appreciating differences strengthens relationships, and that trying to see the world through a friend's eyes builds empathy without requiring them to abandon their own identity. |
| Does Hank reject his animal friends after his experiment fails? | Not at all. Hank's experience deepens his friendship with Trash Truck and the animals rather than creating distance. He gains appreciation for their way of life while recognizing it's not right for him personally. The episode models how to respectfully acknowledge differences without judgment, showing children that accepting who you are doesn't mean rejecting others who are different. |
| How can I use this episode to talk about gratitude with my child? | This episode provides a natural opening to discuss what your child appreciates about home. You might ask what things they would miss if they lived like Hank's animal friends, or talk about comforts they sometimes take for granted. The story shows that gratitude often comes from experiencing contrast, making it easier for children to identify and articulate what matters to them in their daily lives. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Trash Truck gets upset after learning he wasn't built to fly, so Hank, Walter, Donny and Ms. Mona help find a special way for him to take flight. |
| 1 | 2 | Hank invites Trash Truck, Walter and Donny to their first-ever sleepover! But will they all be okay in their backyard tent even if it's dark outside? |
| 1 | 3 | Everyone is excited to see their favorite superhero's new film, but technical difficulties arise. It's Trash Truck to the rescue to save movie night! |
| 1 | 4 | Hank’s little sister Olive wants to learn how to surf, so Ms. Mona shares her tips and tricks and teaches the friends how to find the perfect wave. |
| 1 | 5 | Trash Truck heads to his first doctor’s visit with Hank after they both brush up against poison oak during a game of hide and seek. |
| 1 | 6 | Hank's dad gets Hank and Trash Truck new shoes, but they smell funny and feel too weird and stiff! Can Ms. Mona help them get their old shoes back? |
| 1 | 7 | Walter doesn't want to miss out on all the fun his friends will have while he's hibernating, so Hank and Donny try their best to keep him wide awake. |
| 1 | 8 | Trash Truck, Walter and Donny get carried away while playing with Hank’s Highbeam action figure, then must come clean when they think it’s broken. |
| 1 | 9 | Donny and Walter fill in when Trash Truck feels under the weather and can't finish his garbage pick-up route. But they end up making a bigger mess! |
| 1 | 10 | Hank wishes he could live more like Trash Truck and his animal friends but realizes there are things he'll miss too much — like non-moldy meals! |
| 1 | 11 | With Trash Truck by his side, Hank learns how to handle his brand-new bike across town all on his own... even after his wobbly training wheels fall off. |
| 1 | 12 | Hank and friends can’t seem to learn how to whistle, so Ms. Mona shows them other fun ways to make music. Soon they end up forming their own band! |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Just like his classmates, Hank wants to show off his Highbeam toy for Share Day. But Trash Truck helps him make a switch to share something special. |
| 2 | 2 | First position, toe points, lifts and pirouettes! Trash Truck learns it all as Olive's new dance partner at his very first recital. |
| 2 | 3 | Trash Truck meets a cute and curious toad during his morning routine and helps his new friend find a way back home to his family. |
| 2 | 4 | When Hank suddenly loses his voice, Walter and Donny fill a tin can with sounds from around town to make him a new one. |
| 2 | 5 | The friends chase a tiny lizard into a pretend prehistoric world — where Hank's a cave boy, Trash Truck's a mammoth, and lizards are dino-sized! |
| 2 | 6 | How high can a balloon float? After a fun day with a couple of balloons they bought in town, Trash Truck and Hank try to find out! |
| 2 | 7 | On a beach day with Hank’s family, Trash Truck catches a glimpse of life under the sea and makes a new friend even bigger than he is! |
| 2 | 8 | Trash Truck gets the "honk-ups" after drinking a whole bottle of grape soda, so his friends try every secret remedy to cure them. |
| 2 | 9 | Trash Truck and Hank use a toy spider to play pranks on their friends — but they accidentally cause some chaos with the neighbor’s cat! |
| 2 | 10 | A game of freeze tag goes downhill when Trash Truck and pals get distracted by a sparkly new phone and start fighting. |
| 2 | 11 | With Ms. Mona as a referee, Hank, Trash Truck, Walter and Donny compete in a series of games to see who gets to make a wish on a dandelion. |
| 2 | 12 | Grab the fishing poles, tackle box and a can of worms! Grandpa takes Hank and Trash Truck on a fishing trip and tries to reel in a big catch! |
| 2 | 13 | Trash Truck always collects every single trash can in town. But he’ll need Ms. Mona to help him fight off the ninja flies swarming his last pick-up. |
| 2 | 14 | When the family trash can goes missing from Hank's driveway, the friends collect all the clues to try and catch the trash can snatcher. |
| 2 | 15 | No one in town notices Trash Truck while he’s making his usual rounds. Luckily, Hank is always willing to play at the end of Trash Truck's workday. |
| 2 | 16 | When their ticket for free ice cream flies away, will Hank and Trash Truck lose their spot in line — and their shot at trying the shop's new flavor? |
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