Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

• Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed...again!

  Hailed as a landmark effort to curb plastic pollution, the plastic treaty was supposed to unite nations around a binding plan to cut production, improve recycling, and reduce waste. But as talks dragged on, the deal collapsed under competing interests, petrochemical producers on one side, environmental advocates on the other. We break down what went wrong, why powerful industries fought to water down the agreement, and what the failure means for the future of global environmental policy. Plus, are Buzzballz rubbish or not, should we fold used crisp packets into triangles, and why is a restaurant cutting the top off James' aluminium can?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.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us 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:Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed - 03:32Additions and corrections - 27:51Rubbish or Not: Buzzballz - 36:15Rubbish News - 42:21Does folding crisp packets into triangles affect recycling? - 47:25Residual Rubbish - 49:51 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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• Is aluminium the ultimate packaging?

  Aluminium packaging is on the rise, moving beyond drinks cans and into products once dominated by plastic. But is it really the sustainable hero it’s made out to be? This episode unpacks the hidden costs and challenges behind the growth of aluminium, from its energy-intensive production to supply constraints, while also exploring its potential to transform the future of packaging. Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of a material that might just shape tomorrow’s shelves. Plus, are keys rubbish or not, should we use community collection points or kerbside bins for paper cartons, and why is James really happy with Smyths Toys?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.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us 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:Is aluminium the ultimate packaging? - 0:59Additions and corrections - 32:37Rubbish or Not: keys - 38:05Rubbish News - 41:54Should we use community collection points or kerbside bins for paper cartons? - 46:42Residual Rubbish - 50:42 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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• How brands got us hooked on plastic, with Saabira Chaudhuri

  This week’s guest, Saabira Chaudhuri, author of Consumed: How Big Brands Got Us Hooked on Plastic, takes us on a fascinating journey through the meteoric rise of plastic. From the quirks of history that propelled it past every rival material, to the boardroom decisions that sealed its fate, we uncover how plastic became the world’s go-to choice, and what we might do differently if we could start again.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.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us 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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• Sachets - the true cost of convenience

  In the UK, sachets might seem like a small, insignificant problem but across the world, they're anything but. In countries like India, sachets are the primary packaging for a wide range of everyday products. Globally, an estimated 855 billion are used every year. This week, we delve into the surprising history of the sachet, how it became a major contributor to global plastic waste, and whether there’s any case to be made in its defence. Plus, is Play-Doh rubbish or not, what should we do when we encounter bad recycling labelling, and why do Robbie's ice cubes taste of chicken soup?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.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us 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:Sachets - 2:31Additions and corrections - 29:42Rubbish or Not: Play-Doh - 36:17Rubbish News - 39:44What should we do when we encounter bad recycling labelling? - 44:20Residual Rubbish - 47:15Cover image: Bloomberg via Getty Images Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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• Why excessive packaging is illegal

  Ever received a tiny item in an enormous box? You're not alone, and believe it or not, that kind of wasteful packaging might actually be illegal. In this episode, Talking Rubbish unpacks (pun intended) a little-known piece of legislation that gives you the power to push back. We dig into the truth behind excessive packaging, reveal what the law really says, and show how everyday consumers can make a real environmental impact. It's time to turn your frustration into action. Plus, is cheese wax rubbish or not, why do fizzy bottle threads have gaps in them, and why is Robbie not a fan of his fan.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.Sign our very first pootition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/pooWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us 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:Why excessive packaging is illegal - 2:11Additions and corrections - 26:53Rubbish or Not: cheese wax - 34:14Rubbish News - 42:10Why do fizzy bottle threads have gaps in them? - 48:17Residual Rubbish - 52:20 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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