Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
Society & Culture
About
"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...
Episodes
- 93. The death of the barcode - a win for sustainability?
This episode of Talking Rubbish explores the shift from barcodes to QR codes in supermarkets. The hosts discuss how this change could impact recycling, reduce food waste, and raise questions about consumer data.
- 92. How the war in Iran is reshaping the plastic market
This episode of Talking Rubbish explores how the war in Iran is reshaping the economics of plastic, leading to increased attractiveness of recycled plastic for major brands. It also discusses the implications for products and addresses oth…
- 91. Is the Government driving up plastic use?
This episode explores whether government policies, such as Extended Producer Responsibility and the Deposit Return Scheme, could inadvertently increase plastic use. It also discusses changes in packaging choices, the recyclability of plant…
- 90. Inside Netflix's 'The Plastic Detox' - the story beyond the screen, with Eric Isaac
In this episode, Eric Isaac, a participant in Netflix's 'The Plastic Detox,' joins James Piper and Robbie Staniforth to share unshared details about the documentary and the challenges of living plastic-free. They explore what the couples i…
- 89. Is palm oil really that bad?
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth explore the environmental impact and common uses of palm oil. The episode also discusses recycling plastic air fresheners, cardboard cartons, and addresses listener questions.
- 88. The truth behind ‘lost parcel’ reselling - scam or goldmine?
James Piper and Robbie Staniforth explore the industry of reselling lost parcels as mystery packages. They also discuss whether to squash packaging, evaluate if floss picks are rubbish, and feature other segments on recycling.
- 87. Is expensive petrol driving people to electric cars?
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss whether high petrol prices are driving interest in electric vehicles, while evaluating EV ownership realities. The episode also covers the environmental impact of ice packs and hand dryers ve…
- 86. Netflix's 'The Plastic Detox' - what it gets right (and what it misses)
In this episode of Talking Rubbish, hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the Netflix documentary 'The Plastic Detox' and its claims regarding plastics and human health. The discussion also covers plug-in air fresheners, Easter e…
- 85. Talking rubbish...with the man who collects it, the No. 1 Binman
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth interview Ashley, a prominent UK binman and social media creator, about his work and online presence. They discuss the realities of waste collection and provide practical tips for households to suppo…
- 84. The BrewDog forest - climate solution or greenwashing?
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth analyze the history of BrewDog's reforestation project and its carbon-negative claims. They also discuss the environmental impact of tree guards and food waste disposal units in this episode of Talki…
- 83. Is climate collaboration illegal?
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss concerns raised by US attorneys general regarding environmental collaboration and antitrust laws. They compare US and UK competition laws in the context of green initiatives and share steps o…
- 82. Is there a teaspoon of microplastics in our brains?
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the challenges of measuring microplastics in the human body and examine claims regarding microplastic accumulation in the brain. The episode also covers product pump recycling, EPR policies,…
- 81. The sudden rise of food waste bins
James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the Simpler Recycling policy and the rollout of food waste bins in the UK. They also cover industry topics including contact lenses, refillable packaging, and recent recycling news.
- 80. How to remove colour from plastic, with Steven Burns
In this episode of Talking Rubbish, hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth speak with Steven Burns about his work in removing colours and additives from plastic packaging. They discuss how this process enhances plastic recyclability and a…
- 79. How colour drains the value from plastic recycling
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss how pigments in plastic packaging reduce recyclability. They also examine the impact of branding on material value, share examples of packaging changes, and answer listener questions about re…
- 78. Birmingham bin strike - what happens when waste piles up?
This episode explores the aftermath of the Birmingham bin strike, reflecting on its impact on public trust and waste collection services one year later. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth also discuss lighter disposal, issues with com…
- 77. Is recycling a scam?
In this episode, hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth investigate the reality behind claims that recycling is a scam, discussing where waste really goes and the importance of sorting. The show also explores tea light recyclability, batt…
- 76. Why your council tax isn't paying for your recycling anymore
James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss new legislation shifting recycling costs from taxpayers to packaging producers. The hosts also explore the recyclability of various items, such as glow sticks and aerosol cans, and review recent re…
- 75. Sustainability around the world, with Ellie Piper
Ellie Piper joins hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth to discuss sustainability observations from her 15-month journey around the world. The episode features reflections on travel experiences and sustainable practices encountered acros…
- 74. Should LEGO use recycled plastic?
James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss LEGO's scrapped plan to produce bricks from recycled plastic, the sustainability of advent calendars, and how to manage compostable plastics. The hosts also cover recent recycling news and environm…
- 73. Battery fires - the growing problem within recycling
In this episode of Talking Rubbish, hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the growing issue of battery-related fires in the recycling industry. They also cover the recyclability of nitrous oxide canisters and brittle bottles.
- 72. Why labels on bottles could ruin our recycling
This episode of Talking Rubbish discusses how bottle labels, using Lucozade as an example, can prevent entire bottles from being recycled. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth examine the technical challenges and brand delays in address…
- 71. Dirty business - is waste crime on the rise?
This episode discusses organised waste crime, prompted by a large illegal waste dump in Oxfordshire. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth examine the challenges in detecting and addressing such incidents and consider the implications fo…
- 70. Behind the scenes of sustainable TV production, with Stephanie Shires
This episode of Talking Rubbish features Stephanie Shires discussing the urgent need for sustainability in the UK TV and film industry, addressing its significant carbon emissions. Shires shares insights into managing environmental impact…
- 69. Green Screen - the carbon footprint of TV
This episode discusses the carbon footprint of television production, exploring industry changes driven by carbon tracking and sustainability efforts. It also covers the recyclability of fire extinguishers, news, bagged recycling, and host…
- 68. Sustainable toilet paper - getting to the bottom of it
This episode of Talking Rubbish delves into the world of sustainable toilet paper, questioning whether paper-wrapped rolls are truly eco-friendly. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth examine various brands and discuss related recycling…
- 67. Will there really be more plastic than fish in the ocean?
This episode of Talking Rubbish questions the 2050 prediction of more plastic than fish in the ocean, explaining how such estimates are made. It also touches on the recyclability of scratchcards and aluminium foil, and the consequences of…
- 66. Who should win the Earthshot prize?
Talking Rubbish podcast hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the 2025 Earthshot Prize, exploring potential winners, the significance of the prize money, and the broader impact on sustainability. The episode also touches upon whe…
- 65. Recycling realities in the Global South, with Esther Carter from Delterra
This episode features Esther Carter discussing the waste management challenges in Indonesia, a country with a vast coastline and limited formal systems. The conversation covers the impact of foreign waste imports and explores potential fut…
- 64. Why is recycling so hard in America?
In episode 64 of Talking Rubbish, hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth explore the challenges of recycling in America, focusing on EPR, flexible plastics, and consumer engagement after attending the Sustainable Packaging Coalition confe…
- 63. Waste on a plane - how airlines manage recycling
Airlines produce over 5.7 million tonnes of cabin waste yearly. This episode of Talking Rubbish examines the complexities of airline recycling, including international regulations, border controls, and the barriers preventing better practi…
- 62. Why toothpaste tubes can finally be recycled
Episode 62 of Talking Rubbish discusses the recent change allowing toothpaste tubes to be recycled. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth explore the innovations and consumer messaging that made this possible, and consider its implicatio…
- 61. Labubu - the rise and risks of blind box packaging
Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the environmental and psychological impact of the blind box market, including the popularity of Labubu dolls. The episode also addresses recycling questions regarding yoghurt pots and wet car…
- 60. FlexCollect - closing the loop on flexible plastic, with Gareth Morton from Ecosurety
This episode features Gareth Morton from Ecosurety discussing the FlexCollect initiative for flexible plastic recycling. Early trials involving over 160,000 households show positive results, and the discussion covers how the system will sc…
- 59. How we made flexible plastic recycling valuable
This episode of Talking Rubbish details the collaborative effort by UK brands to make flexible plastic recycling viable. Hosts James and Robbie share insights into the project’s challenges, successes, and future implications for household…
- 58. Why plastic recycling isn't working
This episode discusses the current crisis in plastic recycling, examining financial and legislative challenges, and the impact of brands reducing commitments. It also touches on water filters, print on aluminium foil, and 'wet wipe island'.
- 57. Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed...again!
Episode 57 of Talking Rubbish examines the failure of the UN Plastic Treaty, exploring how competing interests, particularly petrochemical producers, undermined the agreement. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the implication…
- 56. Is aluminium the ultimate packaging?
This episode of Talking Rubbish examines aluminium packaging's growing role and questions whether it's a truly sustainable option. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the material's energy-intensive production, supply challenge…
- 55. How brands got us hooked on plastic, with Saabira Chaudhuri
In episode 55 of Talking Rubbish, author Saabira Chaudhuri explains how plastic became a ubiquitous material, exploring historical factors and corporate decisions. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss recycling.
- 54. Sachets - the true cost of convenience
This episode of Talking Rubbish discusses the global impact of sachets, their history, and their contribution to plastic waste. Hosts also cover topics like Play-Doh, recycling labels, and host-specific anecdotes.
- 53. Why excessive packaging is illegal
This episode of Talking Rubbish discusses the illegality of excessive packaging, exploring a piece of legislation that empowers consumers. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth also cover topics like cheese wax, fizzy bottle caps, and re…
- 52. How landfills actually work
This episode of Talking Rubbish explores the inner workings of landfills, covering their operational processes, closure procedures, and the essential long-term maintenance required after they are full. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Stanifor…
- 51. Why does your glass bottle contain microplastics?
Episode 51 of Talking Rubbish explores new research indicating glass bottles may contain microplastics. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the origins of these microplastics, media oversight, and the broader issues of packagin…
- 50. The truth about climate change, with Mike Berners-Lee
In episode 50 of Talking Rubbish, hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth welcome climate expert Mike Berners-Lee to discuss his book "A Climate of Truth." The conversation focuses on the need for honesty and urgency in addressing climate…
- 49. Carbon offsetting - the good, the bad and the ugly
This episode of Talking Rubbish unpacks carbon offsetting, examining its role in funding climate projects versus potential greenwashing. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss the complexities of creating offsets and how market sc…
- 48. Green fields - can festivals be sustainable?
This episode of Talking Rubbish discusses the sustainability of festivals, exploring eco-initiatives like compostable plastics and reusable packaging. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth examine these efforts in the context of major fe…
- 47. Recycling in flats - how to make it work
This episode of Talking Rubbish discusses the challenges of recycling in flats and HMOs, highlighting contamination issues and exploring results from recent trials aimed at improving waste separation. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Stanifort…
- 46. Greenwashing exposed - the brands that mislead
This episode of Talking Rubbish exposes greenwashing tactics used by brands, where marketing creates an illusion of sustainability. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss misleading campaigns, corporate truths, and offer tips to i…
- 45. Recycling labels explained, with Alice Harlock from OPRL
Alice Harlock from OPRL joins Talking Rubbish hosts James and Robbie to explain the recycling labels found on packaging. They discuss the challenges in keeping these labels accurate due to evolving local rules and slow packaging timelines,…
- 44. RAM raid - should the Government control our packaging?
This episode of Talking Rubbish examines the UK Government's new RAM packaging legislation, a traffic light system for recyclability. Hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth discuss its potential to steer material choices, impact innovatio…