Inspired by true events, Burning Rubbish follows wayward Australian youth, Derrick, who feels as if he's living in the shadow of his parents' careers and their escape from Iran during the revolution of 79. He initially finds his path partying and travelling the world with his thirsty mate Dingo, until sober reality hits and he returns home to Australia, where in a surprising about turn he joins the army. Over several deployments, Derrick hones his skill in the dark arts of intelligence and psychological operations. But, the war on terror and his doomed relationship with girlfriend Charlie quickly expose his vulnerabilities, and a chance encounter with Government agent Emily Carter, sees him unwittingly marked to carry out the murky work of statecraft. In what appears to be a stroke of luck, Derrick deploys to Iraq after the fall of the Islamic State, where Emily works as a diplomat. She convinces him to join her team under the guise of supporting Australia's national interests, but he quickly finds himself embroiled in a covert war against the Iraqi militia. When an American drone strike kills an Iranian General in Baghdad, attacks on Coalition bases increase, and a missile strike at Camp Cooke kills three of Derrick's colleagues. Torn between what is right and what can make an impact on the ground, Derrick makes a decision to save Emily and his friends at the risk of being jailed for espionage.