

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
James Piper, Robbie Staniforth
"Toast this pair who are trying to make a difference one rubbish episode at a time" - The Independent
If you think recycling is boring, think again. James and Robbie are here to prove that recycling is not only important but also downright fun! Ever wondered what happens to the lime in a recycled Corona bottle? Or, why a cucumber needs to be wrapped in plastic? The answers may surprise you.
James does the research, while Robbie brings his unfiltered knowledge to the table, making for an unexpectedly entertaining deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of recycling. From busting myths to answering the wildest questions, you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even rethink what you toss in the bin.
“Eye-opening stuff and only rarely dry” - The Guardian
"Who knew rubbish could be so interesting" - Radio Times
"This podcast will make you smarter and greener" - The i
"Full of handy, informative insights" - Heat
If you think recycling is boring, think again. James and Robbie are here to prove that recycling is not only important but also downright fun! Ever wondered what happens to the lime in a recycled Corona bottle? Or, why a cucumber needs to be wrapped in plastic? The answers may surprise you.
James does the research, while Robbie brings his unfiltered knowledge to the table, making for an unexpectedly entertaining deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of recycling. From busting myths to answering the wildest questions, you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even rethink what you toss in the bin.
“Eye-opening stuff and only rarely dry” - The Guardian
"Who knew rubbish could be so interesting" - Radio Times
"This podcast will make you smarter and greener" - The i
"Full of handy, informative insights" - Heat
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.

Jan 16, 2025 • 50min
25. Making the invisible, visible, with Alice Rackley from Polytag
This week, James and Robbie welcome Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, a groundbreaking company revolutionising plastic recycling with UV watermark technology. Trusted by major retailers like Aldi, Co-op, Ocado, and M&S, Polytag is set to cover 50% of UK domestic household recycling, driving significant change in the way we manage waste. Alice shares the story behind Polytag’s journey, explains the fascinating mechanics of their innovative barcodes, and discusses how this transparency impacts brands. Are companies embracing the data, or are they wary of the insights it reveals? As discussed in this episode we would love you to join our community on DiscordJoin 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.To get exclusive videos and clips, follow them 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

5 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 52min
24. Are invisible barcodes the holy grail of plastic recycling?
Explore the innovative world of invisible barcodes, which promise to revolutionize plastic recycling by improving sorting accuracy. Discover the intricacies of battery recycling and the legal obligations retailers face. Delve into the recyclability of train tickets and the environmental impact of glitter, a seemingly harmless craft item that poses serious recycling challenges. Join a conversation full of humor and insights, making tough topics about waste management both engaging and entertaining!

Jan 2, 2025 • 55min
23. Recycling rewards - exploring Deposit Return Schemes
Explore the fascinating world of Deposit Return Schemes and how they might reshape our recycling habits. Discover the complexities of recycling electricals and why some flexible plastics can't be recycled. The hosts also ponder whether fireworks are truly rubbish and delve into the importance of consumer behavior in waste management. Plus, get insights into the varying recycling approaches across the UK, especially concerning glass. It's an entertaining journey through the quirks of recycling awareness!


