Ed Grothus (“Atomic Ed”) is a machinist-turned-atomic junk collector who more than 30 years ago quit his job of making atomic bombs and began collecting non-radioactive nuclear waste discarded from the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Atomic Ed is the proprietor of “The Black Hole”, a second-hand shop and, next door, curator of the unofficial museum of the nuclear age. His collection reveals and preserves the history of government waste that was literally thrown in a trash heap.
Awards and festival screenings
Best Documentary Short, South by Southwest Film Festival, 2001[2]
Audience Award and Judges Competition First Place Award, Alibi Short Film Fiesta, Albuquerque, 2001