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    Education

    Talking Rubbish – The Recycling Podcast

    “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

    Advertise

    Copyright: © The Rubbish Collective Ltd

    • Apple Podcasts
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    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    63. Waste on a plane - how airlines manage recycling Oct 09, 2025
    Show notes

    Each year, airlines generate more than 5.7 million tonnes of cabin waste, much of it disappearing “out of sight, out of mind.” But behind those discarded coffee cups and meal trays lies a tangle of international regulations and border controls that make recycling very challenging. In this episode, we unpack the complex world of in-flight waste, explore why even recyclable materials are often treated as high-risk, and reveal the surprising barriers preventing airlines from improving. Plus, are balloons rubbish or not, how would we counter NGOs saying recycling is pointless, and are sundried tomatoes making us too niche?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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:
    How airlines manage recycling - 02:34
    Additions and corrections - 31:01
    Rubbish or Not: balloons - 38:12
    Rubbish News - 42:39
    How would we counter NGOs saying recycling is pointless? - 47:21
    Residual Rubbish - 52:42

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    62. Why toothpaste tubes can finally be recycled Oct 02, 2025
    Show notes

    In a seismic shift that really damages the credibility of 'The Rubbish Book', toothpaste tubes can now be recycled. But what changed to make an entire product category recyclable, and what could this mean for other similar products in the future? In this episode, we squeeze out every last detail, from collection and sorting to recycling innovations and the consumer messaging that makes it all work. Plus, are Capri-Sun pouches rubbish or not, how does a lack of on-the-go bins affect recycling rates, and what is the best thing James has ever done?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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 toothpaste tubes can finally be recycled - 01:41
    Additions and corrections - 30:08
    Rubbish or Not: Capri-Sun pouch - 38:59
    Rubbish News - 42:14
    How does a lack of on-the-go bins affect recycling rates? - 46:15
    Residual Rubbish - 50:19

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    61. Labubu - the rise and risks of blind box packaging Sep 25, 2025
    Show notes

    The blind box market is booming, valued at more than $15 billion, with over 10 million Labubu dolls sold each month. But behind the thrill of surprise lies something darker, a system fuelled by FOMO and overconsumption. In this episode, we unbox the packaging to uncover the hidden psychology of blind boxes. Plus, are yoghurt pots rubbish or not, can wet cardboard be recycled, and is Robbie a secret video game model?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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:
    The rise and risks of blind box packaging - 02:25
    Additions and corrections - 30:54
    Rubbish or Not: yoghurt pots - 37:15
    Rubbish News - 42:04
    Can wet cardboard be recycled? - 47:42
    Residual Rubbish - 50:58

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    60. FlexCollect - closing the loop on flexible plastic, with Gareth Morton from Ecosurety Sep 18, 2025
    Show notes

    Over 160,000 households across 10 local authorities have been trialling flexible plastic collections. The early results are promising: strong participation, positive resident feedback, and low contamination rates. But while 400 tonnes have been collected so far, that figure pales in comparison to the estimated 150,000 tonnes expected once all councils are required to collect this material from 2027. Gareth Morton from Ecosurety joins us to explain how the system will scale to meet this surge, and what lessons we can take from the pilots already underway.

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    59. How we made flexible plastic recycling valuable Sep 11, 2025
    Show notes

    Recycling flexible (or soft) plastics has long been a challenge; costly, labour-intensive, and difficult to scale. In this episode, we explore how major UK brands came together to fund groundbreaking work that helped make supermarket collection of these plastics possible, paving the way for household recycling in the future. James and Robbie, two of the key drivers behind the initiative, take you behind the scenes to share the challenges, breakthroughs, and impact of this collaborative effort. Plus, are sponges rubbish or not, is incineration really better than landfill, and why is James angry at a piece of bubble wrap?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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:
    Making flexible plastic recycling valuable - 03:01
    Additions and corrections - 30:12
    Rubbish or Not: sponges and loofahs - 39:10
    Rubbish News - 44:04
    Is incineration better than landfill? - 47:47
    Residual Rubbish - 53:23

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    58. Why plastic recycling isn't working Sep 04, 2025
    Show notes

    Plastic recycling is facing breaking point. Financial models aren’t adding up, legislation has stalled, and major brands are dialling back their commitments. With recyclers shutting their doors, we explore why the system is faltering, how the crisis could reshape the industry, and what it all means for the future of plastic. Plus, are water filters rubbish or not, what happens to the print on aluminium, and why are we not able to visit wet wipe island anymore?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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:
    Is plastic recycling in crisis? - 01:49
    Additions and corrections - 34:51
    Rubbish or Not: water filters - 42:34
    Rubbish News - 48:16
    What happens to the print on aluminium foil? - 50:48
    Residual Rubbish - 52:47

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    57. Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed...again! Aug 28, 2025
    Show notes

    Hailed as a landmark effort to curb plastic pollution, the plastic treaty was supposed to unite nations around a binding plan to cut production, improve recycling, and reduce waste. But as talks dragged on, the deal collapsed under competing interests, petrochemical producers on one side, environmental advocates on the other. We break down what went wrong, why powerful industries fought to water down the agreement, and what the failure means for the future of global environmental policy. Plus, are Buzzballz rubbish or not, should we fold used crisp packets into triangles, and why is a restaurant cutting the top off James' aluminium can?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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 the UN Plastic Treaty failed - 03:32
    Additions and corrections - 27:51
    Rubbish or Not: Buzzballz - 36:15
    Rubbish News - 42:21
    Does folding crisp packets into triangles affect recycling? - 47:25
    Residual Rubbish - 49:51

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    56. Is aluminium the ultimate packaging? Aug 21, 2025
    Show notes

    Aluminium packaging is on the rise, moving beyond drinks cans and into products once dominated by plastic. But is it really the sustainable hero it’s made out to be? This episode unpacks the hidden costs and challenges behind the growth of aluminium, from its energy-intensive production to supply constraints, while also exploring its potential to transform the future of packaging. Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of a material that might just shape tomorrow’s shelves. Plus, are keys rubbish or not, should we use community collection points or kerbside bins for paper cartons, and why is James really happy with Smyths Toys?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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:
    Is aluminium the ultimate packaging? - 0:59
    Additions and corrections - 32:37
    Rubbish or Not: keys - 38:05
    Rubbish News - 41:54
    Should we use community collection points or kerbside bins for paper cartons? - 46:42
    Residual Rubbish - 50:42

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    55. How brands got us hooked on plastic, with Saabira Chaudhuri Aug 14, 2025
    Show notes

    This week’s guest, Saabira Chaudhuri, author of Consumed: How Big Brands Got Us Hooked on Plastic, takes us on a fascinating journey through the meteoric rise of plastic. From the quirks of history that propelled it past every rival material, to the boardroom decisions that sealed its fate, we uncover how plastic became the world’s go-to choice, and what we might do differently if we could start again.

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


    54. Sachets - the true cost of convenience Aug 07, 2025
    Show notes

    In the UK, sachets might seem like a small, insignificant problem but across the world, they're anything but. In countries like India, sachets are the primary packaging for a wide range of everyday products. Globally, an estimated 855 billion are used every year. This week, we delve into the surprising history of the sachet, how it became a major contributor to global plastic waste, and whether there’s any case to be made in its defence. Plus, is Play-Doh rubbish or not, what should we do when we encounter bad recycling labelling, and why do Robbie's ice cubes taste of chicken soup?

    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.

    Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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, X, 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

    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:
    Sachets - 2:31
    Additions and corrections - 29:42
    Rubbish or Not: Play-Doh - 36:17
    Rubbish News - 39:44
    What should we do when we encounter bad recycling labelling? - 44:20
    Residual Rubbish - 47:15

    Cover image: Bloomberg via Getty Images

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Send us a message directly…

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL


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