Episodes

In 2022, the Government committed to introducing kerbside collections for flexible plastics by 2027. Last week, that deadline was pushed back to 2030, a decision that has left James and Robbie, who have spent years preparing for the original timeline, deeply frustrated. In this episode, we unpack what the delay means for one of the UK's most challenging waste streams, why it matters for consumers and the recycling industry, and how postponing collections could create a vicious cycle that holds back recycling rather than accelerating it.

Forever chemicals have become a major focus in the media, with growing concern about PFAS turning up in our food, drinking water, and everyday products. But how much of the alarm is justified? How real are the risks, and is this something that should change the way we live, or is the picture more complicated than the headlines suggest?

Last month Adidas, Uniqlo, and Calvin Klein all came under scrutiny for making misleading environmental claims. What did they actually say and what do these cases reveal about the future of sustainability marketing? This week, we take a deeper look at greenwashing, unpacking why environmental claims in the fashion industry are so difficult to get right. We explore what brands can learn and how sustainability messaging will need to change in the years ahead.

From August 2026, the packaging industry enters a new era with the rollout of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). In this episode, we break down what the new rules mean in practice, explore the biggest changes brands need to prepare for, and discuss how businesses are responding to one of the most significant shifts in packaging regulation in recent years. Plus, are Panini stickers rubbish or not, why did manufacturers remove lids from hummus and dips, how will eggs be packaged in our dream supermarket, and why is Robbie searching for a fox?

We’ve made it to Episode 100! Reaching this milestone gave us a chance to pause and reflect on the journey so far. Joined by a live online audience for the recording, we look back on the first 100 episodes, introduce a new feature for the next chapter of the show, and celebrate the occasion with a few games and surprises. Episode 100 also marks another exciting step forward: our move to video. If your podcast app supports video playback, you can now watch the conversation as well as listen. J...

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 ...

“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.

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?

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 Sta...

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.

Amazon has announced that some older Kindles will soon lose support, turning devices that still physically work into obsolete products. It’s the latest example of a growing trend in tech, where companies phase out support and push consumers toward upgrades, creating mountains of unnecessary e-waste in the process. In this episode, we explore examples of planned obsolescence, the environmental impact of disposable tech, and what it could mean for consumers in the future. Plus, is wallpaper rubbish or not, will mass running events have to charge a bottle deposit, and why is James making friends at his local recycling centre?

Are you curious about the future of barcodes and how they might impact recycling? In our latest episode, we delve into the fascinating transition from traditional barcodes to QR codes and what this means for sustainability. Join us as we also discuss the fate of cooking oil and celebrate the legacy of David Attenborough. Tune in now to learn how these changes could influence your everyday choices and contribute to a greener future!

This week, we dive into a crucial topic: the effects of the Iran war on plastic production and recycling. As oil prices rise, recycled plastic is becoming more competitive, offering a potential silver lining for sustainability. Join us as we explore the economic implications and the future of recycling in our latest episode. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion!

Have you ever wondered how UK regulations are influencing plastic use? In our latest episode, we dive deep into the complexities of recycling legislation and its unexpected consequences. Join hosts James Piper and Robby Staniforth as they explore the implications of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and discuss the future of materials like glass and plastic in our circular economy. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that sheds light on the truth behind the headlines. Tune in now!

Last month, Netflix released The Plastic Detox, which we reviewed in Episode 86, and it left us with a lot of questions. One of the film’s featured participants, Eric Isaac, got in touch to let us know he could help fill in the gaps. So instead of a back-and-forth over email, we invited him onto the show. Join us this week as we go behind the scenes of this groundbreaking documentary, unpacking what the couples really did to remove plastic from their lives, what didn’t make the final cut, and the realities of trying to live plastic-free.

Palm oil has a notoriously bad reputation; mention it, and you’ll likely hear strong criticism, particularly if you manage the social media of a podcast that very recently discussed Cadbury’s Easter egg packaging. But is the story really that simple? In this episode, we take a closer look at palm oil; what’s driving its environmental impact, why it’s so widely used, and what can realistically be done about it. Plus, are plastic air fresheners rubbish or not, why are cardboard cartons going in the plastic bin, and why might a paid tier of Talking Rubbish get us in trouble?

What happens to the parcels that never reach their buyers? A growing industry has an answer, reselling them as “mystery packages,” promising hidden treasures and unbeatable value. But do these surprise boxes live up to the hype, or are they too good to be true? In this episode, we unpack the world of parcel resellers to find out whether they offer a genuine solution to waste, or simply sell the illusion of a bargain. Plus, are floss picks rubbish or not, should we squash our packaging, and what is James having to confess to Robbie?

As tensions rise in Iran, global oil prices are climbing, with potential knock-on effects for everyday costs. From higher petrol and diesel prices to wider economic pressures, the impact is becoming more noticeable. But could this moment mark a tipping point for electric vehicles? In this episode, we dive into the realities of EV ownership; unpacking range anxiety, upfront and long-term costs, and the true environmental footprint. Are electric cars really the greener, smarter alternative to trad...

On 16 March 2026, Netflix released 'The Plastic Detox', a documentary examining the health impacts of chemicals commonly found in plastics, particularly phthalates and BPA. In this episode, we unpack the science behind the film, reinforcing many of its conclusions while also exploring the gaps that prevent it from presenting a fully balanced scientific narrative. Plus, are plug-in air fresheners rubbish or not, which Easter egg will we be buying this year, and why is a road closure making James think about recycling.

With more than 160,000 followers on TikTok, Ashley might just be the most famous binman in the UK. In this episode, we sit down with the biggest binfluencer to talk about life on the rounds and how he built an online following by sharing the realities of the job. We also take a closer look at how bin collections actually work across the UK and hear first-hand what makes the job rewarding, challenging, and sometimes surprising. Ashley shares practical tips on how households can make life easier for refuse crews, reduce contamination in recycling, and play their part in helping waste services run smoothly. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at a vital public service that most of us rely on every week, but rarely think about.

In 2020, BrewDog made headlines with a bold promise; to plant Scotland’s largest forest and become the world’s first carbon-negative beer company. Five years later, the land has been sold, the carbon-negative pledges have quietly vanished, and the company itself is fighting for survival. So what happened? This week, we dig into the rise and fall of BrewDog’s ambitious reforestation project, and ask whether the planned forest was ever quite as sustainable as it claimed. Plus, are tree guards rubbish or not, are food waste disposal units a good idea, and does Robbie have slopey shoulders?

In October 2025, five US state attorneys general wrote to environmental organisations warning that their collaboration efforts could potentially breach antitrust laws. Their argument: consumers should retain the right to choose packaging even if it harms the environment. This week, we unpack what happened, explore the key differences between US and UK competition law when it comes to companies working together on green initiatives, and examine what organisations can do to protect themselves from similar legal challenges. Plus, are triggers rubbish or not, how would we listen to our own podcast, and why has Robbie been embarrassed by a comedy gig?

Last year, a study made startling headlines around the world with the claim that the average person carries the equivalent of a plastic teaspoon of microplastics in their brain. But how accurate is that finding, and if it’s questionable, why did the authors present it with such confidence? This week, we explore the challenges scientists face when measuring microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body, and why even peer-reviewed research published in the world’s most respected journals can sometimes get it wrong. Plus, are pumps on things like hand soap rubbish or not, does EPR penalise colour in plastic, and why is Robbie's window full of rubbish?

Simpler Recycling promises the biggest shake-up to the UK’s recycling system since kerbside collections began. But despite ambitions for nationwide consistency, exemptions mean some councils may take a different path. In this episode, we unpack the policy’s origins, examine why not everyone will have to follow the same rules, and look ahead to what the future of recycling might actually be. Plus, are contact lenses rubbish or not, is refillable packaging still considered packaging, why is James siding with Michael O'Leary?