Rubbish Talk

Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd

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 20 STD.

    Episode 106: Henry Mathias, Tranent Wombles

    This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Henry Mathias, Chair of the Tranent Wombles — a volunteer-led litter picking group set up during lockdown that has gone on to make a huge impact in their local community. Henry shares how the group began in 2020, when people were looking for safe ways to get outside and do something positive. What started as a simple Facebook group quickly grew into a network of volunteers, with over 1,000 members online and a core group regularly out litter picking. Since then, the Tranent Wombles have collected an incredible 7,000+ bags of litter, tackling both everyday waste and long-standing fly-tipping issues. The conversation highlights how the group operates — from community litter picks to individuals taking responsibility for their own local patch. Equipment is funded through donations, local fundraising and support from organisations like East Lothian Council, but as Henry explains, the real challenge isn’t funding — it’s maintaining momentum and volunteer engagement over time. What sets the Tranent Wombles apart is their focus on going beyond litter picking. Alongside clearing waste, they’ve started enhancing their local environment through planting, community gardens and biodiversity projects, including creating a wildlife corridor through the town. It’s about giving their area a bit of “TLC” — making it a nicer place for both people and wildlife. Of course, the reality of litter picking isn’t always positive. Henry speaks honestly about the frustration of returning to areas that have been cleaned, only to find them littered again weeks later. Despite this, the strong community support — from people stopping to say thank you to wider local backing — helps keep the group motivated. A key theme throughout the episode is the lack of enforcement. Henry shares his surprise at how little data exists on littering fines and prosecutions, and how few penalties are actually issued. Both he and Alasdair reflect on the gap between policy and reality — with plenty of strategies in place, but limited action on the ground to prevent littering at source. The discussion also touches on wider systemic issues, from the impact of drive-through restaurants on roadside litter, to missed opportunities to use technology and enforcement more effectively. While volunteer groups are doing incredible work, there’s a shared frustration that they are often left to deal with the consequences rather than the causes. Looking ahead, the Tranent Wombles plan to continue their work — combining litter picking with environmental improvements and building stronger links with other local groups. There’s also a growing push to have a louder voice on issues like planning decisions and litter prevention. Henry’s message is simple: you might not be able to change national policy overnight, but you can make a visible difference in your own community. And sometimes, that’s where real change begins. A really inspiring episode that highlights the power of community action — and the need for stronger support and systems to back it up. Useful Links: Henry Mathias | LinkedIn Tranent Forrest Garden Tranent Wombles Facebook

    32 Min.

  2. 9. APR.

    Episode 105: News Roundup

    After a run of guest episodes and milestone celebrations,Jane and Alasdair are back together for a packed news round-up — and there’s plenty to get through.   News Roundup Taxpayers to fund clear-up of huge illegal waste dumpsHuge illegal waste sites across England — including Kidlington and others — are set to cost millions to clear, all funded by the public. Jane highlights the frustration that taxpayers are footing the bill, while Alasdair questions whether a portion of landfill tax should be ringfenced to deal with these “orphan” sites. Corby quarry contamination fearsConcerns are growing that contaminated waste from a former steelworks quarry in Corby could be leaching into waterways. Both reflect on how historic waste decisions can resurface decades later — a reminder that landfill is never truly “done.” Petition to reinstate fortnightly bin collectionsA petition has been launched opposing changes to bin collection frequency. Jane points out that with food waste and recycling services now widely available, less frequent residual collections should be manageable — while Alasdair argues it’s more about behaviour change than burden. Teamwork lets bacteria consume plastic wasteScientists have discovered that three types of bacteria working together can break down plastics that individual species cannot. Alasdair sees this as a fascinating step forward, though still very early in terms of real-world application. Cockroaches may help turn plastic into fuelYes… cockroaches. Jane explains how microbes in their gut can break down polystyrene, though not completely — leaving smaller plastic fragments behind. Interesting, but not quite the silver bullet. Student invents microplastic filter removing 96% from waterA teenager has developed a method using magnetic fluid to remove microplastics from water. Both are impressed — and it’s a great example of innovation coming from unexpected places. Tool developed to detect recycled plastic contentNew technology can now identify how much recycled content is actually in plastic packaging. Jane notes this could be a game changer for accountability, while Alasdair highlights its potential to support EPR and compliance. Scientists realise microplastic tests contaminated by lab glovesIn a slightly ironic twist, researchers found some microplastic readings may have come from their own lab gloves. Raises questions about how accurate current data is — and how complex measuring the problem really is. Germany to reuse 220,000 tonnes of window glassRather than crushing glass, researchers are exploring how to reuse window panes directly. Both agree this is exactly the kind of thinking needed — moving further up the waste hierarchy. Squirrel filmed vaping in London parkA bizarre but sad story — a squirrel seen vaping after mistaking it for food. A reminder of how litter (and vapes) can impact wildlife. Villagers plagued by sauvignon blanc fly-tippingDozens of identical wine bottles dumped repeatedly in one village. Jane jokes about recognising the brand, but both agree it highlights ongoing issues with small-scale fly-tipping — and perhaps a mystery worth solving.   Rubbish Rant This week’s rant covers a mix of frustrations. First up, Simpler Recycling, which came into force on1st April 2026 — with both noting that while the system makes sense, the narrative around it being “too difficult” for households is wearing thin. Then there’s the “Exchange for Change” branding for theUK Deposit Return Scheme: Alasdair isn’t convinced it hits the mark, questioningwhether it will really engage the public — while Jane is slightly less bothered, but not exactly inspired either. And finally… a brief diversion into electric cars,with Jane sharing the stress of range anxiety and charging — highlighting that while the transition is important, the practicalities still aren’t quite there for everyone.

    26 Min.

  3. 2. APR.

    Episode 104: Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns & Social Innovation Manager, Keep Scotland Beautiful

    This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns and Social Innovation Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) — a long overdue guest given how often litter and fly-tipping come up on the podcast! Heather shares her journey into the sector, starting with a background in biology before finding her way into waste through a short-term project knocking on doors to understand recycling behaviours. Like many in the industry, it wasn’t a planned career path — but one that grew through hands-on experience and curiosity. She reflects on how valuable those early roles were in understanding how councils operate and how people actually behave when it comes to waste. The conversation explores the role of Keep Scotland Beautiful as a national environmental charity, working across communities to improve local environments — from tackling litter and fly-tipping to supporting climate and biodiversity initiatives. Heather explains how KSB plays a key role in delivering actions under Scotland’s National Litter and Fly-Tipping Strategy, as well as administering the LEAMS (Local Environmental Audit and Management System), which provides long-term data on litter and environmental quality across the country. A key theme throughout the episode is the gap between monitoring and action. While Scotland has strong data showing that litter is a growing problem, Heather highlights the need to better use that data in real time to target services and drive change. The discussion also touches on practical challenges, particularly around roadside litter, where responsibilities between councils and road operating companies can be unclear — leading to inefficiencies and frustration. Behaviour change is at the heart of the conversation. Heather emphasises that while infrastructure and services are important, public behaviour remains the biggest challenge. From littering out of car windows to leaving waste beside bins, there is a clear need for stronger education, clearer messaging, and ultimately more effective enforcement. As discussed, if people don’t think they’ll get caught, behaviours are unlikely to change. The episode also covers some of the wider work KSB is involved in, including the Spring Clean campaign, which engages tens of thousands of volunteers across Scotland each year, and the connection between land-based litter and marine pollution. Heather highlights the importance of linking these issues, showing how litter dropped inland can ultimately end up on beaches and in the sea. Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism. With upcoming measures like the Deposit Return Scheme, potential charges on single-use items, and extended producer responsibility, there are opportunities to shift behaviour and reduce litter. However, Heather is clear that these changes need to be backed by stronger enforcement and continued public engagement. To wrap up, Heather shares her advice for anyone looking to enter the sector: take opportunities, try different roles, and don’t be put off by the fact that waste and litter might not seem glamorous — it’s a space where you can make a real impact. A really insightful episode that highlights both the scale of the litter challenge and the importance of collaboration, behaviour change, and persistence in tackling it. Useful Links: Your charity inspiring action for our environment Spring Clean Scotland | Keep Scotland Beautiful Roadside litter campaign Tackling litter and waste | Keep Scotland Beautiful Our reports and publications | Keep Scotland Beautiful The National Litter and Flytipping Strategy for Scotland | Keep Scotland Beautiful Community Litter Hub

    57 Min.

  4. 26. MÄRZ

    Episode 103: Victoria Taylor, CEO, Probe Industries Ltd

    This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Victoria Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Probe Industries Ltd — a family-run business specialising in odour and dust control across the waste and water sectors. Victoria shares her journey into the industry, which started unexpectedly when she stepped in to help the family business before university. What began as a short-term role quickly turned into a career, as she gained hands-on experience across waste sites and built her knowledge from the ground up. She went on to take over the business in 2011 and today leads a company with three generations of family involvement. A key focus of the episode is the challenge of odour control in waste management. Victoria explains that effective solutions go far beyond masking smells — instead targeting and breaking down odour compounds at a molecular level. This is particularly important on complex sites where traditional containment or extraction systems aren’t always practical. Innovation runs throughout the conversation, with Probe taking a strong R&D-led approach, developing new technologies and exploring smarter systems that can detect and respond to odour issues in real time. The discussion also highlights the human side of waste operations, with Victoria emphasising how site conditions — including odour and dust — can impact staff wellbeing, morale and productivity. Victoria also reflects openly on the realities of running a business, from securing major contracts to navigating setbacks like international fraud. Her message is clear: resilience, learning from mistakes, and adaptability are key to long-term success. Looking ahead, Probe is focused on international growth, with expanding markets across Europe, North America and the Middle East. The episode also touches on wider industry challenges, particularly regulation, with Victoria calling for a more joined-up and supportive approach between regulators and operators. Finally, Victoria shares her thoughts on careers in the sector — encouraging more people, especially young people, to consider waste and resources as an exciting and rewarding field. With growing opportunities across science, engineering, and sustainability, it’s an industry that offers far more than many expect. A fascinating conversation that blends innovation, business insight, and real-world experience — and a reminder of the important role that specialist technologies and passionate people play in keeping our waste systems running.

    39 Min.

  5. 19. MÄRZ

    Episode 102: News Round-Up

    After a run of brilliant student episodes and celebratingour 100th milestone, the news has been quietly piling up… so this week, Jane and Alasdair dive into a much-needed news special.   News Government urges councils to seize and crush fly-tippers’vehicles With 1.26 million incidents recorded, this feels like a step in the right direction. Jane highlights the huge cost to councils, while Alasdair questions whether stronger enforcement like vehicle seizure might finally make people think twice. Mother fined £11,500 for binning batteries A tough one — Jane notes the scale (23 batteries!), while Alasdair points out the rules were clear. It raises the bigger question: how far should enforcement go to change behaviour? Laughing gas canisters causing explosions at waste sites Hundreds of explosions a week — both are baffled these are still ending up in bins. Alasdair questions why products are sold without factoring in safe disposal, while Jane compares it to the ongoing battery and vape issue. Criminals stealing used cooking oil from chip shops A sign of the times — waste becoming valuable. Jane links it back to rising fuel prices, while Alasdair notes it’s a familiar pattern: materials left out for collection being intercepted before they reach legitimate processors. Man trains dog to fly-tip rubbish As bizarre as it is frustrating — both agree it shows the lengths people go to avoid doing the right thing. As the police said: clever, but still wrong. 'Your balloon releases aren’t going to heaven'A refreshing positive — Jane gives this a “gold star,” while both highlight it as a great example of businesses taking responsibility and saying no for environmental reasons. Landfill gas used to grow food in giant domeA great example of circular thinking. Alasdair sees real potential in using waste heat and CO₂ locally, while Jane notes it’s a practical way to turn landfill into something positive. Plastic wet wipes ban proposed in ScotlandA long time coming. Both highlight the impact on fatbergs and beaches — and agree this is one of those changes that should simply be standard everywhere. Returnable glass bottles making a comebackA reminder that reuse isn’t new. Alasdair reflects that we may have gone too far towards recycling, while Jane notes the practicality challenge — but agreesthe principle is strong. 75% of UK waste tyre exports untrackedA worrying statistic. Both point to the need for tighter controls, with comparisons to Australia’s shred-only approach showing there are workable alternatives. Legacy landfill risks under reviewA key reminder — landfill hasn’t gone away. Alasdair stresses the importance of long-term management and expertise, while Jane notes its ongoing role when other infrastructure isn’t available. Coffee grounds could strengthen concreteInnovation at its best — turning waste into a resource. Both are impressed, though Jane questions the processing cost, while Alasdair highlights reduced reliance on natural materials. Plastic from the 1960s washing up in OrkneyA stark reminder of plastic’s longevity. Jane is struck by how far it’s travelled, while both reflect on the long-term legacy of today’s waste.   Rant of the Week: “Too Icky” for Food Waste? This week’s rant is sparked by a news article that foodwaste bins are “too icky” for households. Jane and Alasdair question how something so essential —reducing emissions, saving costs, and recovering energy — can be dismissed so easily. Food waste collections are a key part of modern waste systems, yet participation is still far from where it needs to be. The frustration isn’t just with the perception, but with howit’s communicated. The benefits — environmental and financial — aren’t always clearly explained, and without that, it’s no surprise people don’t engage. The message is simple: Use the system as it’s designed — it works, but only if people actually use it.

    42 Min.

  6. 12. MÄRZ

    Episode 101: 100 Years of Waste in Scotland (Part 2)

    Last week we explored the early history of waste management in Scotland, from the early 1900s through to the 1970s. In Episode 101, Jane and Alasdair pick up the story from the 1980s onwards, looking at how regulation, technology and policy shaped the modern waste sector we know today. The 1980s marked a period of major change. The sector was still heavily reliant on landfill, but environmental awareness and legislation were beginning to grow. The introduction of wheelie bins increased household waste capacity, while early recycling initiatives such as bottle banks started appearing. At the same time, wider policy shifts like compulsory competitive tendering began changing how local authority waste services were delivered. The groundwork was also being laid for what would become one of the most important pieces of legislation in the sector — the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Moving into the 1990s, waste management began to professionalise rapidly. The introduction of waste management licensing regulations, the creation of the Environment Agency and SEPA in 1996, and the introduction of landfill tax fundamentally reshaped how waste was handled and regulated. Landfill sites became more engineered and regulated, and landfill tax provided one of the first strong financial drivers pushing waste away from disposal and towards recycling. The early 2000s saw major investment in recycling infrastructure. Scotland’s National Waste Strategy and the Strategic Waste Fund led to large expansions in kerbside recycling schemes and significant increases in recycling rates — rising from around 5% in 2000 to roughly 45% within a few years. This period also saw increased collaboration between local authorities, regulators and researchers to develop best practice in waste management. In the 2010s and beyond, the focus shifted again — from simply managing waste safely to thinking about resources, circular economy principles and climate impacts. Policies such as net zero commitments, circular economy strategies and changes in global recycling markets (including China’s National Sword policy) reshaped how waste materials were managed internationally. Looking back across the last century, Jane summarises the journey simply: Early regulation focused on protecting public health,Later legislation aimed to protect the environment,More recent policy focuses on protecting resources and reducing carbon. It’s been a century of huge change — but as Jane and Alasdair reflect, the real challenge now is turning strategies and policies into practical implementation that delivers results on the ground. As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’ve worked in the sector or have memories of how waste management has changed over the years, get in touch or share them with us on social media.

    59 Min.

  7. 5. MÄRZ

    Episode 100: 100 Years of Waste in Scotland (Part 1)

    We’ve reached Episode 100 of Rubbish Talk — although technically it’s even more once you include our pilot and special episodes! Across those recordings we’ve had 77 guests, over 100 hours of conversation, and listeners from 73 countries around the world. Thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast along the way.   To mark the milestone, Jane and Alasdair take a step back to explore 100 years of waste management in Scotland. The idea came from reaching out to some of our previous podcast guests and asking what they thought would make a good topic for Episode 100 — so thank you to everyone who shared suggestions. In particular, John Crawford (Episode 53) kindly provided a detailed paper on the history of waste management in Scotland, which helped shape this episode and the timeline we discuss, so a big thank you to John as well.  In the 1920s and 1930s, waste was mainly ash and cinders from coal fires. Collection was often done by horse and cart, and disposal was typically basic incineration or burning. Very little was wasted, as reuse and repair were part of everyday life.   During the 1940s, wartime rationing and government salvage campaigns meant materials were reused wherever possible. Packaging was minimal and most household waste could simply be burned in coal fires.  By the 1950s and 1960s, consumer culture and plastics began to change the waste stream. Waste volumes increased, incinerators struggled with new materials, and landfill started to become the dominant disposal route. Early environmental legislation also began to appear, including the Clean Air Act and the Civic Amenities Act, which introduced the first public waste disposal sites.  The 1970s brought major change with the Deposit of Poisonous Waste Act 1972 and the Control of Pollution Act 1974, which introduced licensing for waste sites and stronger environmental regulation. Collection systems also evolved, with many councils moving to kerbside sack collections instead of traditional metal bins.  This episode takes us up to the 1970s, setting the scene for the modern waste industry. In Episode 101, Jane and Alasdair will continue the story — covering the 1980s through to today and how recycling, regulation and the circular economy transformed the sector.  Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Rubbish Talk over the past 100 episodes — our brilliant guests, the listeners who tune in each week, and everyone who shares the podcast and joins the conversation about waste and resources. We’re incredibly grateful for the support, so here’s to the next 100 episodes and continuing to explore the fascinating world of waste together!

    55 Min.

  8. 26. FEB.

    Episode 99: Future of Waste: Student Voices from Edinburgh

    This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair and Jane are joined once again by students from the University of Edinburgh’s MSc programmes — and this time, we feature two powerful student-created podcasts as part of their Resource Recovery and Circular Economy coursework Cate Satoris, an MSc Environment & Development student originally from North Dakota, explores single-use plastic habits in UK supermarkets. Coming from the United States, Cate was surprised to find that produce in the UK often arrives pre-wrapped in plastic — a choice she hadn’t expected in a country seen as environmentally progressive. Her podcast digs into why so much plastic packaging is still used, the limits of soft plastic take-back schemes, and how policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Plastic Packaging Tax aim to shift responsibility back to producers. Cate argues that while recycling schemes help, they are not enough — the real solution lies in eliminating unnecessary packaging at source. Vanessa Ngwi, an MSc Environmental Sustainability student from Cameroon, turns our attention to a very different but equally urgent waste challenge. Her podcast, “Rethinking Rubbish: Circular Solutions for Cameroon’s Waste Crisis,” explores the reality of overflowing landfills and limited formal waste collection systems. Drawing on personal experience, Vanessa highlights how over half of municipal waste in Cameroon is organic and could be composted locally rather than buried. She proposes a practical two-pillar approach: decentralised community composting combined with Extended Producer Responsibility to fund recycling infrastructure. Her message is clear — high-tech solutions aren’t always the answer; people-centred, practical systems can create real change. Both podcasts reflect the power of education, international collaboration, and fresh perspectives in tackling global waste challenges. It’s inspiring to hear how students are connecting policy, behaviour change, and lived experience to rethink how we manage resources — whether in Edinburgh, North Dakota, or Yaoundé. As we approach Episode 100, it’s a reminder that the next generation of waste professionals is already thinking critically and creatively about the future.

    39 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
    110
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd
  • Sendungswebsite
    Rubbish Talk

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