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 wha...
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 longer. We also dive into battery sorting, debate whether the revamped Pringles tube is rubbish or not, and explore if councils will abandon plastic bottle and aluminium can collections when the Deposit Return Scheme rolls out.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 love you to join our community on DiscordAs mentioned in the episode, Talking Rubbish is going live! To register to come and see a (very) unpolished version of the podcast, click hereTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:How are batteries sorted? - 13:49Should you throw out your black plastic utensils? - 19:43Rubbish or Not: Pringles tube - 41:41Will councils stop collecting cans and bottles? - 46:06
Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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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 significant change in the way we manage waste. Alice shares the story behind Polytag’s journey, explains the fascinating mechanics of their innovative barcodes, and discusses how this transparency impacts brands. Are companies embracing the data, or are they wary of the insights it reveals? As discussed in this episode we would love you to join our community on DiscordJoin 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.To get exclusive videos and clips, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website
Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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24. Are invisible barcodes the holy grail of plastic recycling?
Did you know the packaging you buy today might be covered in invisible barcodes? These barcodes help recyclers to work out what type of plastic a yoghurt pot might be made of, or whether an empty bottle was full of drink or detergent. For this reason they are cited as the future of our packaging! How do they work and where might we find them? Plus, we explore battery collections, are train tickets rubbish or not and we answer a really big question, how bad really is glitter?As discussed in this episode we would love you to join our community on DiscordJoin 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.To get exclusive videos and clips, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:How are batteries collected? - 12:43Invisible barcodes - 18:10Rubbish or Not: train tickets - 43:47How bad is glitter? - 47:12
Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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 cans to stores? And why might this be a challenge for a country already equipped with kerbside recycling? Plus, we explore how electricals are recycled, are fireworks rubbish or not and why do some flexible plastics have a label that says not to recycle them?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.To get exclusive videos and clips, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:How are electricals recycled? - 11:05Deposit Return Schemes - 19:09Rubbish or Not: Fireworks - 46:26Why does some flexible plastic say 'do not recycle'? - 49:21
Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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22. Green Christmas - unwrapping festive recycling
Ho Ho Ho, and merry Christmas to all our listeners! In this jam-packed Christmas special we deep dive into tubs of chocolate (we feel this might be both metaphorical and literal this week). Why do the tubs and tins need to be made with brand new materials? What are we meant to do with chocolate wrappers? Also, we explore the recyclability of Christmas trees (and yes, we will talk about artificial vs. real), can Christmas crackers be recycled and what exactly is the scrunch test?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.To get exclusive videos and clips, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsAppRelevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:How are Christmas trees recycled? - 12:01What to do with tubs of chocolate - 25:12Rubbish or Not: Christmas crackers - 48:33What is the scrunch test? - 53:33
Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL
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.
“Rarely dry” - The Guardian