Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast cover art

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

By: James Piper Robbie Staniforth
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"Toast this pair who are trying to make a difference one rubbish episode at a time" - The Independent


If you think recycling is boring, think again. James and Robbie are here to prove that recycling is not only important but also downright fun!


Ever wondered what happens to the lime in a recycled Corona bottle? Or, why a cucumber needs to be wrapped in plastic? The answers may surprise you.


James does the research, while Robbie brings his unfiltered knowledge to the table, making for an unexpectedly entertaining deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of recycling. From busting myths to answering the wildest questions, you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even rethink what you toss in the bin.


“Eye-opening stuff and only rarely dry” - The Guardian

"Who knew rubbish could be so interesting" - Radio Times

"This podcast will make you smarter and greener" - The i

"Full of handy, informative insights" - Heat

© 2026 Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 97. Why we're getting reusable packaging wrong
    Jun 4 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • 96. How recycling is really funded
    May 28 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • 95. The tech that could end overpackaged boxes, with Jude Pullen
    May 21 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
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