Injured Worker Pulled From Massive Recycling Pit In San Francisco Technical Rescue

Firefighters carried out a complex technical rescue inside a large recycling pit at the Recology facility in the 501 Tunnel area of San Francisco after a front-loader operator went over the edge into the pit.

The official handheld video shows San Francisco Fire Department crews working deep within a towering pile of mixed trash and recyclables while wearing full turnout gear, including dark blue jackets with yellow reflective stripes and helmets.

Firefighters carefully maneuvered a metal Stokes rescue litter while coordinating efforts to lift and extract the injured worker. One firefighter leaned over the litter as others stabilized it, while a civilian worker in a blue shirt and cap assisted from the side. A large front-loader bucket was also visible nearby as the team worked on the unstable debris.

The operation began at around 11:45 a.m. on May 17, 2026. Truck 17 and Rescue 2 developed the extrication plan, while Engine 44 worked to stabilize the patient during the rescue.

At approximately 12:35 p.m., the worker was safely removed from the pit and transported to hospital with unspecified injuries.

The footage documents a coordinated response that successfully resolved a hazardous situation in the recycling facility.