Education

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

by James Piper, Robbie Staniforth

How ToEducationSociety & Culture

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Latest episodes

117. The Conservatives' £1.4 billion recycling u-turn

October 22, 2026 · 60 min

The Conservatives have pledged to scrap what they're calling Labour's packaging tax, despite having introduced the policy themselves. But would abolishing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) really save shoppers money, or simply shift…
116. When packaging promotions go horribly wrong

October 15, 2026 · 60 min

What happens when packaging promotions go horribly wrong? This week, James and Robbie explore some of the most spectacular marketing disasters in history. From Coca-Cola’s spring-loaded MagiCans and BrewDog’s not-so-solid gold cans to the…
115. Inside the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme with Julian Hunt

October 8, 2026 · 59 min

After four episodes digging into deposit return schemes, we sit down with Julian Hunt from Exchange for Change to put some of our biggest questions directly to the organisation delivering the UK’s DRS. We discuss why drinks containers were…
114. How Norway gets 98% of its bottles and cans back

October 1, 2026 · 60 min

Norway gets around 98% of its bottles and cans back, so what makes its deposit return scheme work so well? This week, we unpack a system that is technically voluntary, yet has become one of the most successful in the world. We explore the…
113. Why can't we just make deposit return digital?

September 24, 2026 · 60 min

What if you could get your 20p deposit back without ever leaving the house? This week, we explore digital deposit return and why the seemingly simple idea of scanning a bottle or can and putting it in your recycling bin gets complicated…

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112. Why the UK Deposit Return Scheme is free for brands

September 17, 2026 · 60 min

Why might the UK’s Deposit Return Scheme be free for drinks brands for its first 15 months? We dig into the surprising finances behind DRS, from producer fees and the value of recycled material to the huge sums generated by unclaimed 20p…
111. When does a Deposit Return Scheme become a tax?

September 10, 2026 · 60 min

Deposit return schemes can deliver impressive recycling rates. With that in mind, what can we learn from countries already using them? Following a trip to Ireland, James shares his experience of the country’s DRS, from the ease of spotting…
110. Have we been talking about the environment all wrong? With Lucy Siegle

September 3, 2026 · 54 min

How do you talk about environmental issues without preaching, oversimplifying or making people feel powerless? In this episode, we are joined by environmental journalist and broadcaster Lucy Siegle to explore what she’s learned from more…
109. Why recycling labels are about to get more confusing

August 27, 2026 · 58 min

Recycling labels are about to change, but will they actually make recycling easier? In this episode, we look at the EU’s plans for harmonised packaging labels, including a proposed system of 24 different pictograms. Harmonisation sounds…
108. Why are we sending so much plastic to Turkey?

August 20, 2026 · 58 min

The UK is sending huge amounts of plastic waste to Turkey, but what actually happens to it when it gets there? We dig into the numbers behind the headlines to find out what we're really exporting, why Turkey has become such a major…
107. Why our bins keep catching fire

August 13, 2026 · 60 min

Fires at waste and recycling sites are becoming increasingly common, with batteries, vapes and gas canisters ending up where they shouldn’t. In this episode, we look at why our bins now contain more energy than ever before, why awareness…
106. Why your fridge is making you waste food

August 6, 2026 · 60 min

Could your fridge actually be causing food waste? This week, we explore the psychology behind the modern fridge, why bigger shelves and hidden drawers can encourage us to buy more than we need, and how simply forgetting what's at the back…

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About the show

2 x British Podcast Award winner 2026: Gold in Education and Bronze in Impact. "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