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Talking Rubbish

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

March 19, 2025

34. Cups, coatings, and confusion - why your coffee cup isn’t recycled

We get through a staggering 3.2 billion single-use paper coffee cups every year and most of us assume they’re easily recyclable. But the reality? It’s not that simple. In this episode, we unpack why coffee cups are so hard to recycle, why they need to be collected separately, and what role those tr…
March 12, 2025

33. Why finding plastic in the ocean is harder than you think

Ocean plastic pollution is a massive problem, but it’s even worse than we think. Many imagine vast islands of floating rubbish, easy to scoop up and remove. The reality? Most of it is nearly invisible, scattered from the surface to the deepest trenches. On today’s episode of Talking Rubbish, we unc…
March 5, 2025

32. Is Trump right to bring back plastic straws?

It was only a matter of time before a Trump policy made its way onto Talking Rubbish, his ‘BACK TO PLASTIC’ post on social media sealed the deal. This week, we’re diving into the much-vilified drinking straw. What’s the best material for it? Is there any logic in returning to plastic? And why are w…
Feb. 27, 2025

31. Shattered - the end of glass packaging?

With a wave of new recycling legislation on the horizon, weight-based costs are set to become the norm. Could this spell the end of glass packaging as companies pivot to lighter paper and plastic alternatives? In this episode, we break down four key pieces of legislation coming in the next few year…
Feb. 20, 2025

30. A good car crash with Stuart Goldsmith, Climate Comedian

This week, James and Robbie welcome Stuart Goldsmith, a climate comedian. Stuart has performed comedy on TV around the world, including on Live At The Apollo (BBC), Conan (TBS), and Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (UK).​ He now uses his material on climate to support sustainability teams of large…
Feb. 13, 2025

29. Rubbish decision? The shift to monthly bin collections

Bristol is considering a shift to a 4-weekly general bin collection. What’s behind this decision, and how could it help boost recycling rates? In this episode, we dive into the strategies councils are using to optimise waste collections, examining those getting it right and others that still have r…
Feb. 6, 2025

28. Disappearing plastic? The controversy of oxo-degradable

How can a plastic be banned in some countries and be mandatory in others? This is the conundrum of oxo-degradable plastic. This week Talking Rubbish attempts to demystify this particular plastic; explaining what it is, how it works and most importantly discussing whether it should exist. Plus, we d…
Jan. 30, 2025

27. Why do we export so much plastic for recycling?

We all know tonnes of plastic are exported, but how much actually leaves our shores, and where does it end up? Talking Rubbish dives into the murky world of plastic exports, uncovering why China shut its doors, the ripple effects on global markets, and which countries stepped in to take its place. …
Jan. 23, 2025

26. Toxic tableware? The truth about black plastic utensils

In October 2024, headlines exploded with 3 million articles urging us to ditch our black plastic utensils. But should you really? In this episode, we uncover the surprising science behind the sensationalism, revealing why the full story might prompt you to keep that trusty plastic spatula a bit lon…
Jan. 16, 2025

25. Interview - Alice Rackley, Polytag

This week, James and Robbie welcome Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, a groundbreaking company revolutionising plastic recycling with UV watermark technology. Trusted by major retailers like Aldi, Co-op, Ocado, and M&S, Polytag is set to cover 50% of UK domestic household recycling, driving significan…

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Recent Blog Posts

Jan. 22, 2025

Talking Rubbish is going live!

We have been asked by Packaging Innovations to bring Talking Rubbish to the NEC in Birmingham and we were more than happy to say yes. It’s free to come along and watch us attempt an unedited episode for the first time, just use this link to r…

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Jan. 17, 2025

Talking Rubbish Podcast Named Among Radio Times' Top Audio Picks!

The 18th-24th January 2025 edition of Radio Times has spotlighted Talking Rubbish in its prestigious “Pick of the Best Audio on Demand” feature—a remarkable milestone for the growing podcast. I couldn't believe it when I received …

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Jan. 14, 2025

Talking Rubbish Joins Discord: Uniting Our Recycling Community in One…

We’re thrilled to announce that Talking Rubbish has joined Discord! This exciting step is all about bringing our incredible recycling community together in one central hub. Join the conversation now: Click here to join our Discord server Sin…

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About the Hosts

James Piper Profile Photo

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 Profile Photo

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent and informative!

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

hannahlenik | Sept. 19, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great fun & super-informative

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

Wynkyn | Nov. 7, 2024

Excellent podcast

"This podcast is both entertaining and educational. Also, the guys are very honest - even about their lapses . I thoroughly recommend it if you have any interest in recycling or rubbish"

Niek D | Nov. 28, 2024

Great insights and fun to listen to

"This is easy listening and informative if you want to understand more about what you can recycle and how the recycling process works."

Penny J Ch | Dec. 1, 2024

Interesting funny and thought provoking

"This is a great listen and also helpful for suggestions about managing our waste/recycling but for me is also very thought provoking"

Alyn Odrage | Dec. 5, 2024

Informative

"Love this podcast I love anything to do with recycling , making the world a better place and what we’re going to the planet. Always gives me ideas to help more"

mummyof1💕 | Dec. 8, 2024

Top of the hierarchy

"Informative, useful, entertaining. Packed full of insights and practical tips. The perfect balance of nerdiness and humour."

Kate HSEQ | Dec. 10, 2024

Interesting as well as informative

"Rubbish and recycling sounds rather worthy but it’s a jolly, encouraging and massively informative listen, from two proper experts. Brilliant, well done James and Robbie."

Chilllizard | Dec. 29, 2024

It will surprise and inform you by turns.

"Loads of ‘makes you think moments’ and insight into unintended consequences - the carrier bag ban increasing plastic usage! Who knew."

Alexfrowe | Jan. 6, 2025

Funny and Informative

"I love this show. The guys are funny and don’t take themselves as seriously as they take recycling. They’re not really judgemental of people who aren’t perfect. I can’t do everything I should but I’m…"

Hesterbateman | Jan. 6, 2025

Not rubbish

"I look forward to this podcast every week. An entertaining look at the world of rubbish with lots of tips and advice about getting around the world of recycling. I work for a packaging company so am …"

jme-again | Jan. 9, 2025

Not just for waste geeks (but even we can learn something)

"A light hearted and accessible podcast, that gives details on processes and innovations, yet also provides answers to the small niggling questions and queries."

Cloweee | Jan. 9, 2025

Everything you ever wanted to know…

"My heartbeat increases every time I try to work out what I can / can’t recycle…the fear of contamination looms large! So, I’m delighted I can go to this podcast and find out, for example, if train ti…"

whatnonicknames | Jan. 15, 2025

Not rubbish at all

"Straight talking, lots of laughter and a super niche topic. Welcome to a world you may never have considered… recycling. Bin dive right in!"

Digichanneler | Jan. 17, 2025

Addictive

"Wait impatiently for a Thursday to come round. Love the info. Keep up the great work"

Inverbud | Jan. 31, 2025

Full of useful answers to everyday sustainability questions

"Full of useful answers to everyday sustainability questions."

Truly Trying | Feb. 2, 2025

So informative - really enjoying it!

"Loving this podcast. Discovered it a few weeks ago then went back and started from the beginning, I’m now up to date and have to wait patiently for the next episode. I’ve learnt so much! Thank you!"

VeganBex | Feb. 15, 2025

Definitely not rubbish :)

"Obviously they talk ABOUT rubbish, but this is by far the most interesting podcast on my list. I listen to it on my way to work to preach to people about rubbish…thanks for providing me with the cont…"

Sbrooks9 | Feb. 15, 2025

Very informative about recycling

"In depth and well presented."

Cloud inversion | Feb. 27, 2025