Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

James Piper, Robbie Staniforth
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Mar 27, 2025 • 51min

35. How to recycle a coffee cup with Rob Tilsley from James Cropper

This week on the podcast, James and Robbie dive deeper into the world of coffee cups with special guest Rob Tilsley from James Cropper, a UK pioneer in coffee cup recycling. Together, they unpack the hidden economics behind plastic-lined cups versus innovative new coatings, reveal how brands and retailers have been quietly working to collect our used cups for longer than we realise, and uncover the surprising reason Christmas brings a wave of pink cardboard.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.We 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
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Mar 20, 2025 • 58min

34. Cups, coatings, and confusion - why your coffee cup isn’t recycled

We get through a staggering 3.2 billion single-use paper coffee cups every year and most of us assume they’re easily recyclable. But the reality? It’s not that simple. In this episode, we unpack why coffee cups are so hard to recycle, why they need to be collected separately, and what role those tricky plastic coatings play. Listen to find out what you should be doing with your cup once you’ve finished that double espresso. Plus, how are lightbulbs recycled, are hot water bottles rubbish or not and how does mixing waste affect recycling rates?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.We 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:How are lightbulbs recycled? - 12:10Why your coffee cup isn't recycled - 19:35Rubbish or Not: hot water bottles - 48:51Does mixing waste affect recycling rates? - 53:29 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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Mar 13, 2025 • 57min

33. Why finding plastic in the ocean is harder than you think

Ocean plastic pollution is a massive problem, but it’s even worse than we think. Many imagine vast islands of floating rubbish, easy to scoop up and remove. The reality? Most of it is nearly invisible, scattered from the surface to the deepest trenches. On today’s episode of Talking Rubbish, we uncover the shocking truth about ocean plastic and why cleaning it up is far more complicated than it seems. Plus, how are lightbulbs collected, are tomato purée tubes rubbish or not and how will Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) affect smaller companies?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.We would love you to join our community on DiscordTo watch “Smog of the Sea”, click hereSpecial 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:How are lightbulbs collected? - 14:13Why you can't visit the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? - 23:18Rubbish or Not: tomato purée tubes - 47:06How will EPR affect small businesses? - 50:56 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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Mar 6, 2025 • 54min

32. Is Trump right to bring back plastic straws?

It was only a matter of time before a Trump policy made its way onto Talking Rubbish, his ‘BACK TO PLASTIC’ post on social media sealed the deal. This week, we’re diving into the much-vilified drinking straw. What’s the best material for it? Is there any logic in returning to plastic? And why are we so strangely obsessed with straws in the first place? Plus, how are tyres recycled, are glass candle holders rubbish or not and what plastic should we use as a bin liner?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.We 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:How are tyres recycled? - 13:58Is Trump right to bring back plastic straws? - 22:27Rubbish or Not: glass candle holders - 47:40 What plastic should you use as a bin liner? - 50:34 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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Feb 27, 2025 • 54min

31. Shattered - the end of glass packaging?

With a wave of new recycling legislation on the horizon, weight-based costs are set to become the norm. Could this spell the end of glass packaging as companies pivot to lighter paper and plastic alternatives? In this episode, we break down four key pieces of legislation coming in the next few years and explore how they could reshape the packaging industry, and the products we buy every day. Plus, how are tyres collected, is the plastic widget in a can of Guinness rubbish or not and what is the purpose of the Green Dot?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.We 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:How are tyres collected? - 9:53Is this the end of glass packaging? - 17:51Rubbish or Not: widget in a Guinness can - 45:09 What is the purpose of the Green Dot? - 50:56 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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Feb 20, 2025 • 49min

30. A good car crash with Stuart Goldsmith, Climate Comedian

Stuart Goldsmith, a climate comedian known for his performances on TV shows like 'Live At The Apollo' and 'Conan,' joins the hosts for a lively chat. They explore how humor can tackle climate anxiety, blending serious topics with playful banter. The conversation covers the confusing jargon around plastics, personal sustainability stories, and the absurdities of recycling practices. Stuart emphasizes the power of comedy to connect people and inspire action on environmental issues, making important messages entertaining and accessible.
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Feb 13, 2025 • 53min

29. Rubbish decision? The shift to monthly bin collections

Bristol is considering a shift to a 4-weekly general bin collection. What’s behind this decision, and how could it help boost recycling rates? In this episode, we dive into the strategies councils are using to optimise waste collections, examining those getting it right and others that still have room for improvement in the ongoing search for the ideal frequency of collection. Plus, how is garden waste recycled, are glasses (of the spectacle variety) rubbish or not, and how clean does our recycling actually need to be?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.We 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:How is garden waste recycled? - 12:02Should councils move to 4-weekly collections? - 23:01Rubbish or Not: glasses (spectacles) - 47:27How clean does our recycling need to be? - 49:54 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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Feb 6, 2025 • 54min

28. Disappearing plastic? The controversy of oxo-degradable

How can a plastic be banned in some countries and be mandatory in others? This is the conundrum of oxo-degradable plastic. This week Talking Rubbish attempts to demystify this particular plastic; explaining what it is, how it works and most importantly discussing whether it should exist. Plus, we dig into how garden waste is collected, is the netting around oranges rubbish or not, and what should we do with electricals with built-in batteries?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.We would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our brand new sponsor, EcosuretyTalking Rubbish is going live! To register to come and see a (very) unpolished version of the podcast, click hereTo 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:How is garden waste collected? - 13:13The controversy of oxo-degradable plastic - 20:46Rubbish or Not: netting around fruit - 48:19What should we do with electricals with built-in batteries? - 50:57 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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Jan 30, 2025 • 56min

27. Why do we export so much plastic for recycling?

Dive into the messy world of plastic exports and discover just how much waste leaves the UK! Explore the global consequences of China's changes in recycling policies and the countries stepping in to fill the gap. Learn about the challenging process of battery recycling and whether peach pads should be deemed rubbish. Plus, uncover the intriguing complexities of mixed plastics and how invisible barcodes might play a role in recycling. It's an eye-opening discussion filled with humor and critical insights!
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Jan 23, 2025 • 54min

26. Toxic tableware? The truth about black plastic utensils

Discover the surprising truth behind black plastic utensils and why you might not need to toss them just yet. The hosts delve into the complexities of battery recycling and tackle the environmental impact of new packaging designs. They also discuss whether revamped Pringles tubes are an improvement and explore the implications of an upcoming Deposit Return Scheme. With humor and insights, they challenge sensational media narratives while highlighting the importance of understanding recycling practices.

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