Treasures in the Trash

For 34 years, New York Sanitation worker, Nelson Molina collected items in the trash on his route in East Harlem. Over 45,000 items, all catalogued and organized on the second floor of the M11 garage. Nelson retired from the job in 2015, but comes to the garage routinely to check in on his "museum."

The collection is not open to the public since it is in an active garage, but our hope is to get a proper space with the help of this film. Please visit nycstrongest.org/future-museum to donate!

"Treasures in the Trash"
A film by Nicolas Heller
Starring Nelson Molina

Directed by Nicolas Heller
Cinematography by Joe Bressler
Produced by Charlie Eisenbach
Edited by Lucas Lobe
Music Supervision by Falside
Sound Mix by Bobb Barito
Color by Joe Bressler
Titles by Greg Matesich
Illustrations by Cleofus

Special thanks to
Foundation for New York’s Strongest 
DSNY Chief Mellis
Julie Raskin
Maggie Lee 
Michael Marrero
Ricardo Dash 
Anthony Winstead
Nelson Molina Jr. 
Zorick Johnson
ONLY NY
& Cigarettes

Cast: HELLER films