Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

James Piper, Robbie Staniforth
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  • Updated weekly

"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

  1. 9 hr ago ·  Video

    111. When does a Deposit Return Scheme become a tax?

    Deposit return schemes can deliver impressive recycling rates. With that in mind, what can we learn from countries already using them? Following a trip to Ireland, James shares his experience of the country’s DRS, from the ease of spotting return points to the unexpected economy created by putting a value on bottles and cans. We look at what Ireland gets right, some of the unintended consequences, and what the UK could learn ahead of its own scheme launching in 2027. Plus, are arcade tickets rubbish or not, why do we need a recycling label when everything will be recyclable, how will butter be packaged in our dream shop, and why are James and Robbie worried about being accused of being polyester? 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. To see James and Robbie live at London Packaging Week, get your free ticket here.  Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Timestamps: When does a deposit return scheme become a tax? - 1:36 Additions and corrections - 28:45 Rubbish or Not: arcade tickets - 35:10 Rubbish News - 39:59 Do we need recycling labels if PPWR requires everything to be recyclable? - 46:52 Green Grocer: butter - 49:23 Residual Rubbish - 55:13 Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    111. When does a Deposit Return Scheme become a tax?

  2. 3 Sept ·  Video

    110. Have we been talking about the environment all wrong? With Lucy Siegle

    How do you talk about environmental issues without preaching, oversimplifying or making people feel powerless? In this episode, we are joined by environmental journalist and broadcaster Lucy Siegle to explore what she’s learned from more than 20 years communicating sustainability. We discuss whether focusing on systemic change was really a mistake, why recycling can be a gateway to much bigger environmental issues, whether our obsession with plastic has gone too far, and why none of us needs to be perfectly green. 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. Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    110. Have we been talking about the environment all wrong? With Lucy Siegle

  3. 27 Aug ·  Video

    109. Why recycling labels are about to get more confusing

    Recycling labels are about to change, but will they actually make recycling easier? In this episode, we look at the EU’s plans for harmonised packaging labels, including a proposed system of 24 different pictograms. Harmonisation sounds like a good idea, but what happens when those labels appear on packaging in the UK without matching labels on our bins? And are we moving from a simple instruction telling us what to do with our packaging, to a system that simply tells us what it’s made from? Plus, are vapes rubbish or not, how much household flexible plastic is actually recycled, how will sandwiches be packaged in our dream shop, and why has James found a security breach in some litter? 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. Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Timestamps: Why recycling labels are about to get more confusing - 1:40 Additions and corrections - 20:45 Rubbish or Not: vapes - 27:00 Rubbish News - 35:16 How much household flexible plastic is actually recycled? - 44:02 Green Grocer: sandwiches - 45:57 Residual Rubbish - 53:19 Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    109. Why recycling labels are about to get more confusing

  4. 20 Aug ·  Video

    108. Why are we sending so much plastic to Turkey?

    The UK is sending huge amounts of plastic waste to Turkey, but what actually happens to it when it gets there? We dig into the numbers behind the headlines to find out what we're really exporting, why Turkey has become such a major destination, and how much actually comes from our household recycling. It turns out the story isn't simply about waste being dumped overseas. Turkey has a huge recycling industry, but new research from Adana raises a more complicated question; what happens when our plastic is recycled, but the recycling process itself creates pollution? Plus, are solar eclipse glasses rubbish or not, is washing recycling pointless, how will bread be packaged in our dream shop, and how much toothpaste did Robbie have left in the tube? 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. Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Timestamps: Why are we sending so much plastic to Turkey - 01:32 Additions and corrections - 24:16 Rubbish or Not: solar eclipse glasses - 31:54 Rubbish News - 36:18 Is washing recycling pointless? - 41:10 Green Grocer: bread - 46:59 Residual Rubbish - 52:25 Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    108. Why are we sending so much plastic to Turkey?

  5. 13 Aug ·  Video

    107. Why our bins keep catching fire

    Fires at waste and recycling sites are becoming increasingly common, with batteries, vapes and gas canisters ending up where they shouldn’t. In this episode, we look at why our bins now contain more energy than ever before, why awareness alone doesn’t seem to be solving the problem, and how these fires could make recycling increasingly expensive. Plus, we discuss a deposit return scheme we can actually get behind: a £5 deposit on vapes. Plus, are pregnancy tests rubbish or not, will BuzzBallz be included in a deposit return scheme, how will honey be packaged in our dream shop, and is fly tipping really cheaper than littering? 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. Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Timestamps: Why our bins keep catching fire - 00:55 Additions and corrections - 23:04 Rubbish or Not: pregnancy tests - 31:26 Rubbish News - 37:47 Are BuzzBallz in scope for deposit return schemes? - 44:43 Green Grocer: honey - 49:26 Residual Rubbish - 54:03 Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    107. Why our bins keep catching fire

  6. 6 Aug ·  Video

    106. Why your fridge is making you waste food

    Could your fridge actually be causing food waste? This week, we explore the psychology behind the modern fridge, why bigger shelves and hidden drawers can encourage us to buy more than we need, and how simply forgetting what's at the back may be responsible for more waste than food actually going off. We also discuss whether smart fridges are really the answer, or just another gadget promising to solve the wrong problem. Plus, are cable ties rubbish or not, should we just ban flexible plastic, how will cereal be packaged in our dream shop, and how can a reusable cup spiral into an embarrassing lie? 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. Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Timestamps: Why your fridge is making you waste food - 02:01 Additions and corrections - 26:31 Rubbish or Not: cable ties - 33:06 Rubbish News - 36:26 Should we just ban flexible plastic? - 42:23 Green Grocer: cereal - 46:55 Residual Rubbish - 52:19 Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    106. Why your fridge is making you waste food

  7. 30 Jul ·  Video

    105. The free food app rescuing millions of meals, with Tessa Clarke from Olio

    Food waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges we rarely talk about, with the average UK household throwing away around £1,000 worth of perfectly good food every year. In this episode, we are joined by Tessa Clarke, co-founder of Olio, to explore how a simple idea has grown into a global community redistributing millions of meals. We discuss why so much food is wasted at home, what businesses and governments could do differently, and how technology is helping connect neighbours to save food, money and emissions. 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. Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    105. The free food app rescuing millions of meals, with Tessa Clarke from Olio

  8. 23 Jul ·  Video

    104. Why flexible plastic might never be recycled

    In 2022, the Government committed to introducing kerbside collections for flexible plastics by 2027. Last week, that deadline was pushed back to 2030, a decision that has left James and Robbie, who have spent years preparing for the original timeline, deeply frustrated. In this episode, we unpack what the delay means for one of the UK's most challenging waste streams, why it matters for consumers and the recycling industry, and how postponing collections could create a vicious cycle that holds back recycling rather than accelerating it. Plus, is a paper coffee cup rubbish or not, is a nitrous oxide canister packaging, how will instant coffee be packaged in our dream supermarket, and why does James never redeem his free coffee in Starbucks? 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. Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker We would love you to join our community on Discord Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast Or 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 WhatsApp on 07356 069 232 Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website Timestamps: Why we may never recycle flexible plastic - 01:50 Additions and corrections - 32:33 Rubbish or Not: paper coffee cups - 38:37 Rubbish News - 43:58 Are nitrous oxide canisters packaging? - 48:14 Green Grocer: instant coffee - 51:13 Residual Rubbish - 54:56 Send us a message directly…  Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    104. Why flexible plastic might never be recycled
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"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

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