The episode, which was written by Ian Maxtone-Graham and directed by Jim Reardon, sees Homer Simpson run for the job of Springfield's Sanitation Commissioner.

The episode's resolution was discussed extensively by the staff, with one proposed idea being that Springfield would be raised up and the excess rubbish swept underneath it.

"[1] Local department store Costington's launches a new August holiday called Love Day intended to boost summer sales.

However, fulfilling these promises proves costly and Mayor Quimby reprimands Homer for spending the department's annual budget in only a month.

Homer gets cities all over the United States to pay him to store their excess garbage in an abandoned mine shaft on the outskirts of Springfield.

Despite the budget crisis having ended and the workers receiving their salaries as promised, the garbage builds up underground and eventually erupts, pouring trash all over the town.

Homer nonchalantly throws away a bag of potato chips, and it lands next to a Native American, who sheds a tear before being warned by a fellow tribe member not to turn around.

During the credits, U2 is flying to their next stop on the tour when bassist Adam Clayton shows off his Springfield souvenir spoon to Bono and The Edge.

The production team wanted the episode to be about trash,[3] and show runner Mike Scully pitched the idea that Homer should run for office.

They then spent much time trying to get to the point that Homer would have an "over-filled trash can," and through its extensive use of packaging, the concept of Love Day was formed.

During a show in Las Vegas, Redd Foxx came on stage to the Sanford and Son theme song, only to find that there was only a handful of people in the audience.

[11] Jim Reardon won the Annie Award for "Outstanding Individual Achievement for Directing in an Animated Television Production".

[12] The authors of the book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, said: "Although not a great episode, this one has a series of high points that keep you amused until the end.

"[1] In a 2006 article in USA Today, "Trash of the Titans" was highlighted as one of the six best episodes of The Simpsons season nine, along with "The Joy of Sect", "The Last Temptation of Krust", "The Cartridge Family", "Dumbbell Indemnity", and "Das Bus.

"[14] In 2016, the episode received a new wave of commentary from observers of the US presidential election, who compared Homer's campaign to that of Donald Trump.

[15][16] Stephen Sander wrote, "Homer makes crazy promises, and panders to the lowest common denominator in the citizens of Springfield, telling everyone what they want to hear in order to win.

“Trash of the Titans” features an optional audio commentary track with Matt Groening, Mike Scully, George Meyer, Ron Hauge, Ian Maxtone-Graham, and Yeardley Smith.