Rubbish Talk

Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd
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The Rubbish Talk podcast is brought to you by staff from Albion Environmental, to widen the conversation about managing waste and resources in the UK. Each episode will interview a new guest who plays an important role within the waste and resource management industry. We will discuss everything from career journeys, balancing work and personal life, and generally just talk some rubbish. Get in touch by emailing hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk Episodes released Thu. 4pm fortnightly. LinkedIn: Albion Environmental Latest industry news: www.industrynews.albion-environmental.co.uk

  1. VOR 4 TAGEN

    Episode 97: The Waste Journey of Cooking Oil

    News Roundup GAP Group launches UK-wide insulation panel recycling service GAP Group has announced a new UK-wide service to recycle insulation panels, helping tackle materials that have historically been difficult to manage at end of life. The discussion links back to Episode 39, highlighting how specialist treatment is important as construction and demolition waste grows more complex. Enva to open new fridge recycling facility in Dartford Enva has revealed plans for a 124,000 sq ft fridge recycling facility in Kent, capable of processing around 35,000 tonnes a year. With fridges containing harmful refrigerant gases and insulating foams, expanding UK treatment capacity is critical to preventing emissions and reducing reliance on export or long-distance haulage. UK Government publishes first PFAS action plan The UK’s first dedicated plan to address PFAS — often referred to as “forever chemicals” — marks an important step in recognising their long-term environmental and health risks. While much of the focus is on water, the implications for landfill leachate and contaminated waste streams are significant for the wider waste sector. One house used Fife Council bulky uplift service 35 times in a year A single household’s repeated use of Fife Council’s bulky uplift service has reignited debate around fairness, access, and abuse of free services. The story links neatly back to Episode 82 , where the balance between preventing fly-tipping and avoiding system misuse was explored in depth. McDonald’s launches new “Friends” collectibles The launch of another wave of plastic collectibles raises familiar questions about short-lived novelty items and their environmental footprint. While marketed at adults this time, Alasdair and Jane question whether these products have any realistic end-of-life beyond the bin. Rick Stein’s Australia highlights sustainable food practices In his latest BBC series, Rick Stein showcases chefs embracing whole-animal use and local sourcing. The episode featuring Josh Niland’s approach to fish butchery stood out as a strong example of waste prevention through design — reducing food waste before it even exists. Topic: The Waste Journey of Cooking Oil This week’s main discussion focuses on cooking oil — a common household product with a surprisingly complex waste journey. Around 176 million litres of cooking oil are sold in the UK each year, yet estimates suggest closer to 250 million litres of used oil are generated annually. This discrepancy highlights just how unclear the data can be, particularly for household disposal. Despite long-running campaigns, a significant proportion of people still pour fats, oils, and grease down sinks and toilets. This behaviour contributes to sewer blockages, fatbergs, flooding, and costly repairs. The festive period is especially problematic, with millions of litres of oil entering drains over Christmas alone. When disposed of correctly, used cooking oil is far from waste. Collected oil is routinely converted into biodiesel for transport and machinery, with by-products such as glycerol used in soaps, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The catering sector generally performs well thanks to established collection systems, but household participation remains patchy. The takeaway is simple: never pour oil down the drain. Let it cool, solidify it where possible, and check local guidance — whether that’s food waste collections or dedicated drop-off points at recycling centres. Treated properly, cooking oil can power vehicles rather than block pipes. Rubbish Rant of the Week: Disposable Thinking This week’s rant takes aim at the ongoing contradiction between innovation and throwaway culture. While materials like cooking oil can be successfully recovered and turned into fuel, we continue to flood the market with items and packaging that have no meaningful end-of-life plan.

    33 Min.

  2. 5. FEB.

    Episode 96: Waste Journey of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)

    This week, Alasdair and Jane take a deep dive into what happens when a car reaches the end of the road. With around 1–2 million end-of-life vehicles scrapped in the UK each year, it’s a massive waste stream — and it’s becoming even more complex as modern vehicles contain more plastics, electronics, composites, and hazardous components than ever before.  They explain that scrapping a vehicle isn’t as simple as crushing it into a cube. Before anything else happens, cars must be deregistered and taken to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), where the first priority is depollution. That means safely removing fluids like fuel, oils, coolant and brake fluid, along with batteries, airbags, and other hazardous parts. As Jane points out, airbags are effectively explosive devices — so there’s a very real safety process behind dismantling vehicles properly.  The episode also explores the growing role of reuse, with “green parts” now commonly used by garages and insurers. Instead of fitting brand new parts, repairers can source working components from scrapped vehicles — saving money and keeping materials in circulation for longer. It’s a great example of circular economy principles already working well in practice.  Finally, they touch on the trickier end of ELV recycling: the leftover “frag” or shredder residue that remains once the metals have been recovered. This mixed material can contain plastics, foams, small metals and contaminants, and it’s often harder to treat or recycle — raising questions about what happens to the last difficult fraction once the high-value materials are removed.    Rubbish Rant: Plastic Film – Too Soon?  This week’s rant focuses on Scotland’s Duty of Care consultation, which includes proposals around requiring commercial premises to start segregating plastic film. While the ambition is clear, Alasdair questions whether the system is ready — arguing we still struggle to properly manage the plastic streams we already collect, so adding another challenging material could be putting the cart before the horse.

    33 Min.

  3. 29. JAN.

    Episode 95: Waste Journey of Tyres

    News Roundup Illegal Waste Sites Still Spreading – Including “Super Sites” Hundreds of illegal waste tips are reportedly operating across England, including 11 large-scale “super sites”. It’s another reminder that waste crime isn’t small-scale littering — it can be industrial, organised, and extremely damaging. Illegal Waste Dump Linked to King’s Estate Land One of the UK’s worst illegal waste dumps has been reported as being located on land belonging to a private estate connected to the King. It’s a story that highlights how complex land ownership, responsibility, and regulation can become once waste is dumped illegally — and how hard it is to untangle accountability once it happens. EA Enforcement Powers Used Only 6 Times in 7 Years A striking article reports that the Environment Agency has only used its unique enforcement powers six times since being granted them in 2018. This links closely to our recent guest episode with Samantha Riggs (Episode 86), where she discussed how the system often has the tools — but doesn’t always use them effectively. Binfluencer EIR Request Raises Transparency Questions A LinkedIn post shares an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request — highlighting how important transparency and accessible information are in the waste sector. When the public and professionals can’t easily access clear data, trust drops and misinformation spreads fast. SEPA Appeal After Illegal Waste Deposits in Ayrshire SEPA has appealed for public help following two significant illegal waste deposits in Ayrshire. This is a reminder that illegal dumping isn’t just an England problem — it impacts communities across Scotland too. Court Dismisses Biffa’s £51.4m Scottish DRS Claim Another update in the long-running Deposit Return Scheme story: the court has dismissed Biffa’s £51.4m damages claim relating to Scotland’s DRS. The wider impacts of DRS delays and changes continue to ripple through the sector. Magnet Recycling Idea Goes Commercial Some positive innovation news: scientists’ work on recycling magnets is moving toward commercial reality. With magnets found in a growing range of electronics and tech, this kind of progress could become increasingly important for the circular economy. Topic of the Week: The Waste Journey of Tyres Tyres are everywhere — on cars, vans, trucks, bikes, plant equipment — but most people don’t think about them as a waste stream until they’re being replaced. Alasdair and Jane unpack what happens behind the scenes once tyres are removed, and why they’re far more complicated than they look. The discussion covers how tyres are collected through garages and commercial routes, then moved through processing systems where they may be reused, shredded, granulated, or turned into other products. Tyres can be valuable as a material because they contain rubber and steel, but they’re also challenging because they’re bulky, tough to break down, and expensive to transport. They also explore where tyre material ends up, including the reality that a significant proportion is exported — and how global markets influence what’s “recyclable” in practice. Even when tyres are being recovered, the final destination matters: reuse and proper recycling can support circular economy goals, but poorly controlled export routes risk pushing the environmental burden elsewhere. Overall, this episode is a reminder that tyres are not “just rubbish” — they’re a major waste stream with real carbon, cost, and compliance implications depending on how they’re handled. Rubbish Rant: When “Recycling” Becomes Someone Else’s Problem This week’s rant focuses on the uncomfortable truth that some waste streams — including tyres — can end up being shipped overseas, where the environmental controls, worker protections, and end destinations may be far less clear. The conversation touches on the risks of treating export as an easy solution, rather than investing in domestic capacity and proper accountability.

    39 Min.

  4. 22. JAN.

    Episode 94: Waste Journey of Textiles

    News Roundup Court rejects Biffa’s £51.4m DRS claim The Court of Session has rejected Biffa’s £51.4 million claim against the Scottish Government over the delayed DRS, ruling that ministers did not negligently mislead the company. While Biffa had already invested heavily in vehicles and infrastructure, the judgment suggests the company took a commercial risk. Alasdair suspects this may not be the end of the story, with a potential appeal likely.  £400 recycling fines? Completely false Recent headlines claiming households could be fined £400 under new recycling rules have been labelled misleading. The story relates to long-standing restrictions on incorrect materials, not new penalties. Jane and Alasdair agree that clearer communication is needed to explain why recycling changes are happening — not to scare people into compliance.  Food waste collections expand in England New weekly food waste collections are rolling out across parts of England, with councils highlighting improved bin designs that reduce smells and pests. While Scotland introduced these systems years ago, the hosts note that England is finally catching up — and urge councils to better sell the benefits.  What bin collections reveal about inequality A former bin worker has spoken about stark contrasts between waste collection routes in wealthier and poorer communities — noting that generosity and appreciation were often greater in areas with less money. The story sparked a wider discussion on respect for frontline waste workers.  From fishing nets to litter pickers Jane and Alasdair highlight Waterhaul, a company turning discarded fishing nets into products like litter-picking equipment and sunglasses. It’s a strong example of circular thinking — taking problematic waste and turning it into useful, durable products that councils already buy.  Topic – The Waste Journey of Textiles This week’s deep dive tackles one of the most complex waste streams of all: textiles. Jane and Alasdair unpack why clothing waste is such a challenge — from fast fashion and online shopping habits to mixed fibres that are difficult (or impossible) to recycle. Around 240,000 tonnes of textiles are imported into Scotland each year, with roughly a third discarded. Despite widespread belief, much of what we call “textile recycling” is actually sorting and baling, with large volumes exported overseas and little clarity on what happens next. They explore the environmental cost of textiles, which contribute an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, despite making up a relatively small share of household waste by weight. Cotton’s heavy water and pesticide use, synthetic fibres’ reliance on fossil fuels, and microplastic shedding all add to the problem. While reuse via charity shops, resale platforms, and take-back schemes is better than disposal, it doesn’t solve the core issue: overproduction and overconsumption. There is some progress. The Zero Waste Scotland report highlights textiles as a priority product, with discussions around extended producer responsibility, eco-design, recycled content requirements, and improved sorting infrastructure. New initiatives aim to develop fibre-to-fibre recycling in the UK, but large-scale solutions are still emerging. The key message is clear: real progress will require action from producers and retailers — not just consumers — alongside a rethink of how clothes are designed, sold, and valued. Rubbish Rant This week’s rant centres on personal responsibility. Alasdair was triggered by a local post showing two dumped mattresses outside a charity shop, followed by a flood of comments defending the fly-tipper. If someone can organise buying new mattresses, why can’t they make the same effort to dispose of the old ones properly? As ever, the frustration isn’t just the waste itself — it’s the excuses we make for behaviour that everyone knows isn’t acceptable. Remember WEEE and batteries too — recycle your electricals!

    48 Min.

  5. 15. JAN.

    Episode 93: Be More Sustainable in 2026

    As the new year begins, Alasdair and Jane reflect on what sustainability really means going into 2026. Rather than chasing perfection or the latest green trend, this episode focuses on practical choices, better systems, and learning from where things continue to go wrong. News Round-Up Landfill Collapse Exposes the Human Cost of Waste A landfill collapse in the Philippines has killed at least one person and trapped dozens more, underlining how poorly managed waste sites can become life-threatening. It’s a stark reminder that waste management failures don’t just damage the environment — they endanger lives. Lego’s “Smart Bricks” Spark Sustainability Concerns Lego has unveiled tech-filled Smart Bricks, prompting unease from experts about durability, repairability, and the growing trend of adding electronics to everyday products. Alasdair and Jane question whether this kind of innovation really supports sustainability or creates more future waste. Kidlington Fly-Tip Clean-Up Comes With a Heavy Price Tag The long-awaited clearance of the Kidlington illegal waste site is due to begin in February, with an £8 million contract awarded to Acumen Waste Services. Around 21,000 tonnes of waste will be cleared at a cost of roughly £380 per tonne — a reminder that waste crime always ends up costing someone. Britain’s Biggest Fly-Tip Back in the Spotlight A major illegal waste dump has hit national headlines again, highlighting years of inaction and regulatory failure. The discussion focuses less on shock value and more on how sites like this are allowed to grow unnoticed for so long. Farewell to Zero Waste Scotland’s CEO Zero Waste Scotland has announced that CEO Iain Gulland will step down after 11 years. Alasdair and Jane reflect on the importance of leadership in driving long-term progress on waste prevention and the circular economy. Topic: Be More Sustainable in 2026 Rather than setting unrealistic resolutions, Alasdair and Jane argue that sustainability in 2026 needs to be about better decisions, not more effort. They discuss how the pressure to be “environmentally perfect” often puts people off entirely, when small, consistent changes can have a far greater impact over time. The conversation touches on over-engineered products, unnecessary technology, and the growing disconnect between how things are designed and how they’re ultimately disposed of. From smart toys and disposable electronics to the hidden costs of convenience, they question whether many so-called sustainable innovations are actually creating tomorrow’s waste problems. They also stress that sustainability can’t sit solely with households. Without proper producer responsibility, strong regulation, and systems that support reuse and repair, individuals are left carrying the burden. Prevention — designing waste out before it exists — comes up again and again as the real priority for the year ahead. Rubbish Rant This week’s rant targets performative sustainability — flashy ideas, complex systems and sustainable claims that look good on paper but don’t work in practice. As Alasdair and Jane see it, 2026 doesn’t need more buzzwords or gimmicks. It needs simpler choices, clearer responsibility, and systems that actually make it easier to do the right thing. Final thought: You don’t have to do everything in 2026 — just do something better and keep doing it.

    39 Min.

  6. 8. JAN.

    Episode 92: Vicki Hughes on Wood Recycling, Sector Resilience & Future Skills

    Episode 92 kicks off 2026 with a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation as Alasdair is joined by Vicki Hughes, Managing Director of McPhee Associates, Board Member of the Wood Recycling Association (WRA), and Vice President of the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM). With decades of experience across wood recycling, business development, and sector leadership, Vicki brings both strategic insight and practical reality to the discussion. Vicki reflects on her route into the waste sector, beginning with wood recycling at Hadfields and evolving into consultancy work focused on culture, leadership, permitting, and regulatory engagement. A recurring theme is that many successful waste businesses are built on strong technical ideas but struggle without the management structures and communication needed to support long-term growth. Her work now often centres on helping organisations bridge that gap, improving how teams function as much as what they deliver. A major part of the episode explores the role of the Wood Recycling Association and the importance of the Waste Wood Classification system. Vicki explains how the sector worked collaboratively with regulators to demonstrate that most waste wood is non-hazardous, protecting vital outlets such as panel board manufacturing, biomass, and animal bedding. She outlines the grading system (A–D) and why getting classification right underpins both environmental protection and market stability across the UK. The conversation then turns to one of the toughest years the wood recycling sector has faced. A combination of unplanned plant shutdowns, seasonal demand pressures, fires, and infrastructure outages created a perfect storm that left sites struggling to move material and, in some cases, forced wood into landfill. Vicki describes how regulators, particularly SEPA, have worked pragmatically with operators, and how Regulatory Position Statements (RPS) have been used in England to provide temporary relief — while acknowledging the limitations and stress this situation has placed on the entire system. Looking ahead, Vicki shares her enthusiasm for her upcoming role as CIWM President, with a focus on sector attractiveness. She argues that waste and resource management is still too inward-looking and needs to better communicate its diversity of roles, from engineering and chemistry to data, design, and communications. Central to this is changing language, opening doors to early-career professionals, and making the sector visible to those who would never naturally consider “waste” as a career path. The episode closes on a hopeful note, with a call to embed circular economy and sustainability thinking much earlier in education. Vicki shares a powerful reflection on how early learning shapes lifelong behaviour and believes engaging children with environmental responsibility could transform both society and the future workforce. Her final advice is simple but resonant: volunteer, say yes to opportunities, and don’t underestimate how skills gained today can shape careers decades later. Useful Links 🔗 Vicki Hughes LinkedIn Profile Wood Recyclers Association (WRA) | Wood Recyling WRA Grades of Waste Wood April 25 Vicki is collecting stories on how people found a career in waste and why they stayed. To take part, email hello@sizzle.org.uk with “LOVE IT” as the subject.

    50 Min.

  7. 1. JAN.

    Episode 91: Rubbish Talk 2025 Quiz

    We kicked off the new year with something a little different — the Rubbish Talk 2025 Quiz. Instead of our usual deep dives, Alasdair and Jane handed the reins to Mia, the podcast’s producer and marketing coordinator, who put together a multiple-choice quiz looking back over a busy year of episodes, guests, and stats. The quiz tested memories of some standout guests from 2025, as well as questions on listener numbers, global reach, and which episodes proved most popular — with a few surprises along the way. Friendly rivalry quickly took over as Jane and Alasdair battled it out question by question, debating everything from cows’ teeth to recycling in the Falkland Islands. Despite some confident guesses (and a few wrong turns), it turned into a close contest right to the very end. It’s a fun, relaxed episode that celebrates the conversations, people, and listeners that made 2025 such a strong year for the podcast. If you’ve dipped in and out of episodes — or just fancy a lighter listen — this one’s for you. Now’s the perfect time to go back and catch up on any Rubbish Talk episodes from 2025 you might have missed. As always, a huge thank you to everyone who tuned in, shared an episode, or got in touch over the year. Here’s to even more rubbish talk in 2026!

    18 Min.

  8. 25.12.2025

    Episode 90: Christmas Recycling Tips

    Merry Christmas from Rubbish Talk! 🎅🎙️ In this festive episode, Alasdair and Jane swap hard-hitting waste debates for something a little more seasonal — practical, realistic tips to help listeners recycle better and reduce waste over the Christmas period. Whether you’re escaping the family for a dog walk or tuning in after the King’s Speech, this episode is all about keeping Christmas joyful and sustainable. Topic: Recycling Smarter at Christmas The conversation kicks off with one of Christmas’s biggest items: the tree. Jane explains that real Christmas trees can usually be recycled through council collections, household waste recycling centres, or drop-off points, where they’re chipped and composted. Alasdair adds an interesting example of councils using trees to stabilise sand dunes — a reminder that good intentions still need proper organisation. The pair also debate real versus artificial trees, agreeing that longevity matters most: an artificial tree used for 20+ years can be just as sustainable as buying real ones annually. Wrapping paper quickly follows, with a strong message to keep things simple. Plain paper that scrunches easily is usually recyclable, while shiny, glittery or foil-lined paper isn’t. Jane shares her mum’s tradition of reusing wrapping paper year after year, while both hosts champion reusable gift bags, boxes, and even magazine pages as low-waste alternatives. Christmas cards get similar treatment — simple cards can be recycled, but anything with glitter, plastic or foil should go in general waste unless reused. Cardboard boxes are another festive staple, and Alasdair offers a practical bin-tip: flatten cardboard and place it vertically in the bin so it empties properly — something bin crews will definitely appreciate. When it comes to food waste, both hosts stress planning, leftovers, and using food waste caddies. From turkey soup to curries and freezing leftovers, they remind listeners that food waste bins exist for a reason — especially at Christmas, when anaerobic digestion plants see a surge in rich food waste. The episode also tackles Christmas crackers (not a fan, but tradition wins), glass bottles and jars (yes), broken glassware (no), and fairy lights. Anything with a plug or battery — including lights and toys — should never go in household bins. Jane and Alasdair repeatedly stress safe recycling of electricals and batteries, highlighting fire risks and pointing listeners toward proper take-back schemes and recycling points. The Rubbish Rant (Festive Edition) Without turning full Scrooge, Alasdair admits his frustration with Christmas overconsumption — the plastic “tat” that lasts minutes before becoming waste. Both hosts encourage listeners to rethink gifting: re-gifting, donating, selling online, or choosing experiences over things. As Jane puts it, “It’s about knowing your audience.” The episode ends on a warm note, thanking listeners for their support throughout the year and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas — with less waste, fuller bins (the right ones), and a bit more thought behind the wrapping. Key Christmas Message: You don’t need to be perfect — just be thoughtful. Reuse what you can, recycle properly, and if you don’t need it… maybe don’t buy it in the first place.

    33 Min.
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The Rubbish Talk podcast is brought to you by staff from Albion Environmental, to widen the conversation about managing waste and resources in the UK. Each episode will interview a new guest who plays an important role within the waste and resource management industry. We will discuss everything from career journeys, balancing work and personal life, and generally just talk some rubbish. Get in touch by emailing hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk Episodes released Thu. 4pm fortnightly. LinkedIn: Albion Environmental Latest industry news: www.industrynews.albion-environmental.co.uk

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  • Erstellt von
    Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd
  • Jahre aktiv
    2023 - 2026
  • Folgen
    101
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd
  • Sendungswebsite
    Rubbish Talk

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