Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

In a seismic shift that really damages the credibility of 'The Rubbish Book', toothpaste tubes can now be recycled. But what changed to make an entire product category recyclable, and what could this mean for other similar products in the future? In this episode, we squeeze out every last detail, from collection and sorting to recycling innovations and the consumer messaging that makes it all work. Plus, are Capri-Sun pouches rubbish or not, how does a lack of on-the-go bins affect recycling rates, and what is the best thing James has ever done? Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Why toothpaste tubes can finally be recycled - 01:41Additions and corrections - 30:08Rubbish or Not: Capri-Sun pouch - 38:59Rubbish News - 42:14How does a lack of on-the-go bins affect recycling rates? - 46:15Residual Rubbish - 50:19 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Dive into the booming world of blind box packaging, where surprise collectibles lead to overconsumption and psychological traps like FOMO. Explore the environmental impact of packaging waste and whether yoghurt pots are recyclable. Discover the market's explosive growth, key players, and the dark side of scarcity tactics driving inflated prices. Plus, learn about unique consumer behaviors like barcode hacks to avoid duplicates. The hosts also touch on potential mental health risks linked to this quirky trend.

Over 160,000 households across 10 local authorities have been trialling flexible plastic collections. The early results are promising: strong participation, positive resident feedback, and low contamination rates. But while 400 tonnes have been collected so far, that figure pales in comparison to the estimated 150,000 tonnes expected once all councils are required to collect this material from 2027. Gareth Morton from Ecosurety joins us to explain how the system will scale to meet this surge, and what lessons we can take from the pilots already underway.Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Recycling flexible (or soft) plastics has long been a challenge; costly, labour-intensive, and difficult to scale. In this episode, we explore how major UK brands came together to fund groundbreaking work that helped make supermarket collection of these plastics possible, paving the way for household recycling in the future. James and Robbie, two of the key drivers behind the initiative, take you behind the scenes to share the challenges, breakthroughs, and impact of this collaborative effort. Plus, are sponges rubbish or not, is incineration really better than landfill, and why is James angry at a piece of bubble wrap?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Making flexible plastic recycling valuable - 03:01Additions and corrections - 30:12Rubbish or Not: sponges and loofahs - 39:10Rubbish News - 44:04Is incineration better than landfill? - 47:47Residual Rubbish - 53:23 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Plastic recycling is facing breaking point. Financial models aren’t adding up, legislation has stalled, and major brands are dialling back their commitments. With recyclers shutting their doors, we explore why the system is faltering, how the crisis could reshape the industry, and what it all means for the future of plastic. Plus, are water filters rubbish or not, what happens to the print on aluminium, and why are we not able to visit wet wipe island anymore?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Is plastic recycling in crisis? - 01:49Additions and corrections - 34:51Rubbish or Not: water filters - 42:34Rubbish News - 48:16What happens to the print on aluminium foil? - 50:48Residual Rubbish - 52:47 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Hailed as a landmark effort to curb plastic pollution, the plastic treaty was supposed to unite nations around a binding plan to cut production, improve recycling, and reduce waste. But as talks dragged on, the deal collapsed under competing interests, petrochemical producers on one side, environmental advocates on the other. We break down what went wrong, why powerful industries fought to water down the agreement, and what the failure means for the future of global environmental policy. Plus, are Buzzballz rubbish or not, should we fold used crisp packets into triangles, and why is a restaurant cutting the top off James' aluminium can?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed - 03:32Additions and corrections - 27:51Rubbish or Not: Buzzballz - 36:15Rubbish News - 42:21Does folding crisp packets into triangles affect recycling? - 47:25Residual Rubbish - 49:51 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Aluminium packaging is on the rise, moving beyond drinks cans and into products once dominated by plastic. But is it really the sustainable hero it’s made out to be? This episode unpacks the hidden costs and challenges behind the growth of aluminium, from its energy-intensive production to supply constraints, while also exploring its potential to transform the future of packaging. Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of a material that might just shape tomorrow’s shelves. Plus, are keys rubbish or not, should we use community collection points or kerbside bins for paper cartons, and why is James really happy with Smyths Toys?Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Is aluminium the ultimate packaging? - 0:59Additions and corrections - 32:37Rubbish or Not: keys - 38:05Rubbish News - 41:54Should we use community collection points or kerbside bins for paper cartons? - 46:42Residual Rubbish - 50:42 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Saabira Chaudhuri, author of 'Consumed' and former Wall Street Journal reporter, dives deep into how brands lured us into the plastic trap. She explores the historical quirks that made plastic the preferred choice, the rampant rise of single-use plastics post-WWII, and the misguided recycling narrative. Saabira also highlights the environmental fallout and discusses what we could do differently if we started fresh. Her insights challenge us to rethink consumer habits and advocate for meaningful change in the plastic industry.

Discover the shocking scale of sachet use worldwide, with a staggering 855 billion produced annually. Delve into the environmental implications of these tiny packaging marvels and their cultural roots in India. The hosts tackle the debate of convenience versus sustainability, exploring whether sachets are truly worth the cost. Plus, enjoy quirky discussions about the recyclability of Play-Doh and how a young boy's litter collection project inspires community action. Tune in for laughs and valuable insights into the recycling world!

Ever received a tiny item in an enormous box? You're not alone, and believe it or not, that kind of wasteful packaging might actually be illegal. In this episode, Talking Rubbish unpacks (pun intended) a little-known piece of legislation that gives you the power to push back. We dig into the truth behind excessive packaging, reveal what the law really says, and show how everyday consumers can make a real environmental impact. It's time to turn your frustration into action. Plus, is cheese wax rubbish or not, why do fizzy bottle threads have gaps in them, and why is Robbie not a fan of his fan.Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Why excessive packaging is illegal - 2:11Additions and corrections - 26:53Rubbish or Not: cheese wax - 34:14Rubbish News - 42:10Why do fizzy bottle threads have gaps in them? - 48:17Residual Rubbish - 52:20 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL