Parents' Guide to

Dumped

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Recycling show has green lessons, salty vocab.

TV BBC America Reality TV 2008
Dumped Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

emmastanley
emmastanley Adult
July 30, 2015
age 15+
Hate this boring and have swear words

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

DUMPED was designed to force Brits to confront their country's growing waste problem. A group of men and women are sent to live on a landfill in Croyden, England, for three weeks, where they must build a sustainable life from what people have thrown away. The 11 volunteers, many of whom admittedly don't live eco-friendly lifestyles, have to use what they find among the garbage creatively. Eco-design expert Rob Holdway monitors their progress and asks them to think about trash as a valued resource that can be recycled and reused. He also reminds them that while they can they can leave at any time, those who stay until the end will split a £40,000 (about $20,000) prize.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The gang of dump-dwellers, all of whom were expecting to be shipped off to an exotic location for their mission, work together gamely to make the best of their surroundings. Even though they're given hot water, soap, and a limited food supply, they must help each other to avoid getting hurt or -- worse -- bitten by rats and seagulls while scavenging for useful items. They also have to be careful not to get sick. Not surprisingly, living with each other in such dreadful conditions takes its toll; insults and profanity (the BBC doesn't bleep "s--t," though "f--k" is censored) fly as they disagree about how best to survive their time there.

But despite the participants' arguments and strong language, this thoughtful series aims to teach viewers about what everyone can do to protect the environment. Although the show takes place in England, it offers a very concrete example of recycling's -- or, in this case, the lack thereof -- massive impact on the planet. It also highlights the idea that helping the environment begins at home, and that you don't have to travel far away to make a difference. Most importantly, it shows how individuals can make positive steps toward making the world a cleaner place.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about environmental issues. Do you think shows like this one make environmental problems more relatable and realistic for viewers? Is that television's job/responsibility? Families can also discuss recycling. What are the benefits of recycling? Are there any drawbacks? Do you think the recycling efforts of one person or a few people can have an impact on the planet?

TV Details

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