Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

Cartons are a staple of everyday life, but they're far more complicated than they appear. Made from layers of paper, plastic and sometimes aluminium, they're designed to keep food fresh and lightweight to transport, but that same design makes them challenging to recycle. Following recent news that the UK's carton recycling capacity has taken a significant hit, we explore why cartons became so popular, why they're often seen as a sustainable packaging choice, and what really happens after you put one in the recycling bin. Plus, are energy gel wrappers rubbish or not, are heavily printed cans recyclable, and is Robbie listening to Talking Rubbish in the gym?
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.
We would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of our 100th episode. We are holding it at Artists Residence in Bristol on the evening of the 25th June (from 6pm), to let us know if you can make it, book your place on Eventbrite
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 cartons aren't being recycled in the UK - 05:31
Additions and corrections - 29:00
Rubbish or Not: energy gel wrappers - 38:53
Rubbish News - 44:30
Are heavily printed cans recyclable? - 49:01
Residual Rubbish - 53:02

 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

“Plastic-free” has become a powerful marketing claim, but is it always accurate? Following the EU’s formal definition of plastic, the term has come under greater scrutiny, raising questions about how it is used and understood. In this episode, we trace the origins of “plastic-free,” explore the nuances behind the label, and discuss why making the claim may not be as straightforward as it seems. Plus, is asbestos rubbish or not, what should we do with "presents" from the cat, and why is James infiltrating his local litter picking group?
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.
We are going to attempt a live recording of episode 100, on the 17th June at 7pm, get the link here...
Also, we would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of our 100th episode. It will be in central Bristol on the evening of the 25th June, to let us know if you can make it, book your place on Eventbrite
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:
Should we ban plastic-free packaging? - 02:19
Additions and corrections - 29:19
Rubbish or Not: asbestos - 40:01
Rubbish News - 44:53
What do you do with "presents" from the cat? - 49:30
Residual Rubbish - 53:28
 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Reusable packaging is gaining momentum across Europe, especially in France where ambitious reuse laws are reshaping retail and hospitality. Fresh from the Reuse Economy Expo in Paris, we discuss why we believe much of the industry is over-engineering the solution, and why the future of reuse may be far simpler than many realise. Plus, are posters rubbish or not, can you claim a deposit from a crushed can or bottle, and why does James need a calming tea?
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.
If you would like to join us online for our recording of episode 100, on the 17th June at 7pm, register your interest here
Also, we would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate our 100th episode. It will be in central Bristol on the evening of the 25th June, to let us know if you can make it, book your place on Eventbrite
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're getting reusable packaging wrong - 03:37
Additions and corrections - 35:10
Rubbish or Not: posters - 42:49
Rubbish News - 45:54
Can you claim a deposit on a crushed can or bottle? - 52:02
Residual Rubbish - 55:08
 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

For nearly 30 years, the UK has operated a system designed to make brands contribute towards the cost of recycling through Packaging Recycling Notes (PRNs). This week, we take a closer look at how the system really works, where it succeeds, where it falls short, and what the future of recycling funding in the UK could look like. Plus, is expanded polyethylene rubbish or not, are stickers on fruit and veg compostable, and why is James boring a lot of TikTok?
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.
If you would like to sponsor the Ecosurety team, their JustGiving page can be found here
We would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate our 100th episode. It will be in central Bristol on the evening of the 25th June, to let us know if you can make it, book your place on Eventbrite
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:
How brands fund recycling - the truth behind PRNs - 04:08
Additions and corrections - 34:55
Rubbish or Not: expanded polyethylene - 41:29
Rubbish News - 45:02
Are the stickers on fruit and veg compostable? - 49:24
Residual Rubbish - 54:01
 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

It’s a familiar frustration, ordering something small, only for it to arrive in a box far bigger than it needs; wasteful and seemingly impossible to avoid. This week, we’re joined by Jude Pullen, a man on a mission to change that. Join us as we explore why companies so often get packaging wrong, uncovering the logistical challenges behind every delivery, and discover how Jude is using a blend of creativity and engineering to tackle this surprisingly complex problem.

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.

We would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate our 100th episode. It will be in central Bristol on the evening of the 25th June, to let us know if you can make it, book your place on Eventbrite

On the episode Jude mentions his board game Goats vs Llamas, which you can find 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

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL