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Talking Rubbish

A weekly podcast that unpacks the complexities of recycling, whilst having a lot of fun.

Each episode dives deep into the world of waste, exploring innovations and solutions to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle better. Whether you're an eco-conscious individual or just curious about how recycling works, we break down everything from the basics of sorting your rubbish to the latest advancements in the world of waste.

Hosted by James Piper, author of The Rubbish Book and Robbie Staniforth, Policy Director at a leading environmental consultancy. Both James and Robbie are award winning sustainability experts who love to talk absolute rubbish!

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Recent Episodes

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Nov. 14, 2024

16. Burn or bury - how rubbish is incineration?

Recent reports suggest that it is better to landfill our waste, rather than sending it for incineration. Can this possibly be true? In this episode, we dive into the nuances behind these reports, examining some key flaws in …

Nov. 7, 2024

15. Interview - Alex Robinson, Hubbub

James and Robbie spend some time with Alex Robinson, CEO at Hubbub, a creative charity that inspires action that’s good for the environment, and for everyone. Hubbub's fun and innovative campaigns support individuals, househ…

Oct. 31, 2024

14. Halloween sustainability - the scoop on pumpkins

Welcome, ghouls and goblins, to a spooky special of Talking Rubbish! This week, we explore the truly terrifying statistics behind the Halloween pumpkin. Plus, we will unravel the alchemy of chemical recycling, discuss what h…

Oct. 24, 2024

13. Is recycling flexible plastic worth the effort?

Supermarkets are now collecting flexible plastic packaging, asking us to bag it up and return it. But with reports suggesting much of it ends up being burned, is our recycling effort going to waste? In this episode, we dive …

Oct. 17, 2024

12. Which plastics have been banned and why?

Over the past couple of years, the UK government has banned certain plastics, from straws to balloon sticks. Find out the impact these bans can have and how they drive behaviour change. Plus, how are plastics sorted, can pla…

Oct. 10, 2024

11. Are we really eating a credit card of microplastic weekly?

It’s a statistic reported in lots of places: each week we supposedly eat a credit card’s worth of microplastic. But, is it true? Plus, the final three types of plastic, can blister packs be recycled and what happens to the l…

Oct. 3, 2024

10. Interview - Nick Torday, Bower Collective

James and Robbie have a chat with Nick Torday, co-founder and CEO at Bower Collective, a B Corp pioneering refill in the home. Bower Collective deliver cleaning and personal care products in plastic pouches, which are used, …

Sept. 26, 2024

9. Why are cucumbers wrapped in plastic?

Easily the question James and Robbie get asked the most, 'why are cucumbers wrapped in plastic?'. A cucumber episode has been promised since episode one and it's finally time to answer the question! Plus, what types of plast…

Sept. 19, 2024

8. Who's really paying for your recycling?

Every time we put out our bin for recycling, there is a cost. Currently, local councils pick up this bill but soon it will shift to the brands who sell us products. How will this work and what will it mean for us? Plus, how…

Sept. 12, 2024

7. How green is a Taylor Swift concert?

James has just got back from the Taylor Swift concert in London, how sustainable was the event? Plus, how are the metals sorted, can kitchen paper be recycled and are we going to see other changes in packaging because of EU…

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Recent Blog Posts

Opinion piece in The Guardian

James, one of the co-hosts of Talking Rubbish, has today written an Opinion piece in The Guardian, responding to the flexible plastic report from Everyday Plastic. You can read the article here. Episode 13 of Talking Rubbish will be covering …

Talking Rubbish featured in The i newspaper

On Wednesday (2nd October 2024) we were featured in The i newspaper. We loved their write up, thank you so much to Emily Bootle who shared the details on some of our episodes, we are so grateful to everyone who is helping spread the word about our p…

We lend our voices to Ecover ad

Today Ecover have launched an ad campaign to get us all to reduce our washing frequency, after all the most sustainable wash is no wash! We were asked by Uncommon Studio, who co-ordinated the ad, to record a “mini podcast” for them to u…

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About the Hosts

James Piper

Author / CEO / Non-Executive Director

James is a passionate advocate for consumer education, James is committed to helping the public recycle more effectively. In February 2022, he published The Rubbish Book, a comprehensive guide to recycling designed to empower individuals with practical knowledge. Building on the book's success, James launched Talking Rubbish in August 2024—a weekly podcast that explores the latest trends and insights in recycling, keeping audiences informed and engaged as we strive for a greener planet.

Robbie Staniforth

Non-Executive Government Advisor / Policy Director

Robbie is an avid environmentalist who works with the world's leading brands and retailers to make their packaging more planet friendly.

In 2021, he was appointed to the UK Government's Advisory Committee on Packaging where he helps to design and implement new policies that create a less wasteful society and more circular economy.

Reviews

Great fun & super-informative

"Big recommendation if you’re even a tiny bit interested in our ‘throwaway’ world"

Wynkyn | Nov. 7, 2024

Fascinating and never boring

"I love this podcast. It’s a source of interest and fascinating facts, I always look forward to the next episode. I’m a keen recycler and love the depth of detail that gets discussed and amount of kno…"

JaniceM67 | Oct. 27, 2024

Very interesting

"I love the enthusiasm and knowledge of both presenters on the subject. A very interesting subject, production is good and keep it up 👍🏻"

HamishWindsor | Oct. 28, 2024

Answered the questions I didn’t know I had

"I’ve now binged the whole collection- and learnt so much about the recycling process. I’ve a ‘do my best in a busy life’ approach to recycling - this podcast has given me tips to make a couple of sim…"

UK psych | Oct. 28, 2024

What great show!

"First up, disclosure, I know both James and Robbie. They didn’t however ask me to listen to or rate their podcast. I’ve just listened for the first time and I have to say that it is excellent. Very n…"

BobConling | Oct. 24, 2024

We need more podcasts like this!

"I was slightly concerned this pod would be very one sided but these guys are great! Full of fact and a smidge of fun, I highly recommend a listen"

Cjponting | Oct. 10, 2024

New favourite!

"Who would have thought that talking rubbish could be so addictive! It’s that rare find of humour, informative, climate focus and good production quality. I’ve listened to a few podcast on sustainab…"

Mark@Replenished | Oct. 9, 2024

Brilliant Podcast

"So informative. Genuinely fascinating learning about the world of recycling! James and Robbie are fantastic knowledgeable, and funny, hosts. Highly recommend a listen."

RyRyLo | Sept. 21, 2024

Excellent and informative!

"Such an interesting listen, keep the episodes coming!!"

hannahlenik | Sept. 19, 2024

Anything but rubbish!

"This podcast is an excellent listen, debunking common recycling myths in a light hearted format. It delivers just the right amount of information without dumbing down some very nuanced topics, and gi…"

Tacocat612 | Aug. 1, 2024

5 Star Rubbish

"I’m only 2 episodes in and I love this ‘Rubbish’ Podcast. James & Robbie are honest and entertaining all in one. Loving the format of a Rubbish Issue every episode - tethered caps and coffee pods wer…"

Ali Fisher | Aug. 14, 2024

Informative banter

"I love this podcast. Who knew recycling could be so interesting?! I am really enjoying the chatty style and the openness of the two hosts. Looking forward to more episodes!"

Journey sharer | Aug. 24, 2024

It’s Good Stuff!

"This podcast delivers great up to date information and facts about waste, recycling, packaging etc in a really digestible way."

Natashaanne88 | Aug. 29, 2024

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Talking Rubbish

Recent Episodes

16. Burn or bury - how rubbish is incineration?

15. Interview - Alex Robinson, Hubbub

14. Halloween sustainability - the scoop on pumpkins

13. Is recycling flexible plastic worth the effort?

12. Which plastics have been banned and why?

11. Are we really eating a credit card of microplastic weekly?

10. Interview - Nick Torday, Bower Collective

9. Why are cucumbers wrapped in plastic?

8. Who's really paying for your recycling?

7. How green is a Taylor Swift concert?

Listen On

Interview Episodes

Refill Episodes

Legislation Episodes

Food waste Episodes

Microplastics Episodes

Flexible Plastic Episodes

Seasonal Episodes

Incineration Episodes

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