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Legislation Episodes

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 …

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Jan. 2, 2025

23. Recycling rewards - exploring Deposit Return Schemes

Deposit Return Schemes are officially on the horizon! With the Government having recently passed legislation, there’s no better time to dive into the details. How exactly do these schemes work? Will we all really be returning our drinks bottles and …

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Nov. 21, 2024

17. Disposable vapes finally going up in smoke

Disposable vapes are set to be banned by June 2025, but with an estimated 150 million still in circulation until then, what happens to these devices once they’re tossed in the bin? In this episode, we dive into the life …

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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 plastic toothbrushes …

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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 …

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Aug. 22, 2024

4. The surprising truth behind the carrier bag charge

Why has the carrier bag charge not actually led to a reduction in plastic? Plus, how is glass sorted, can birthday cards be recycled and are the infamous cardboard Olympic beds better than more long term materials?

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Aug. 1, 2024

1. Why are bottle caps suddenly attached?

Discover why bottle caps are suddenly tethered to drinks bottles and how this can help with their recycling. Plus, how is waste actually collected, can pizza boxes be recycled and why does council guidance not always align to national messaging?

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