Afleveringen
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Tree guards protect young trees from grazing animals, but if they're not removed in time they can become plastic pollution or even grow into the tree itself. We explore why millions are still used each year, whether biodegradable alternatives really work, why funding schemes often make them the default, and what better options exist for protecting newly planted woodland.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 84 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 5th March 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Trigger sprays might seem simple, but they're surprisingly complex. We explore why they were once considered difficult to recycle because of their metal springs, how manufacturers have largely switched to all-plastic mechanisms, and what that means for recycling today. We also unpack the "cap on" recycling advice you'll often see on trigger spray bottles and ask whether we really need such a complicated disposable product in the first place.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 83 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 26th February 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Alice on Discord asked whether EPR actually takes pigment into account. The answer is yes, but not as much as you might think. Earlier versions of the assessment, placed much more emphasis on colour, whereas the final PackUK methodology only flags carbon black pigment as a sortation issue. Most other colour-related impacts now sit under the "application" stage, where certain colours can reduce the quality of recycled plastic rather than prevent it from being recycled. There are some material-specific quirks too, like coloured PET bottles being penalised while PET trays aren't, and, perhaps inevitably, there's still plenty of room for debate over what actually counts as "dark blue"!
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 82 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 19th February 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Can you recycle soap pumps? This week we dive into why they're more complicated than they look, how new spring-free designs are changing the game, whether it's better to keep reusing your pump with refill bottles, and the fascinating story behind how the humble soap pump became a household essential.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 82 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 19th February 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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A deceptively simple question; is a refillable deodorant applicator that's sold empty a product or packaging? We explore why this has divided opinion, how current UK EPR rules appear to treat it, and why there's a strong argument that refillable applicators should be classified as products rather than packaging.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 81 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 12th February 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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This episode we tackle the surprisingly tricky question of contact lenses. From the recyclable cardboard box and solution bottle to the tiny plastic lens pods and the lenses themselves, we sort out what can and can't go in your kerbside recycling. We also explain why flushing contact lenses is a bad idea, they're made from plastics and can contribute to microplastic pollution, and highlight free recycling schemes, including the one available through Specsavers, for lenses and their packaging.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 81 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 12th February 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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A listener from Fife in Scotland, asks why their council replaced separate clear, green and brown bottle banks with a single mixed-glass recycling bin. We explain why glass colour still matters, how advances in sorting technology now allow recyclers to separate colours efficiently, and why simpler collections are becoming the norm. We also explore why different products use different coloured glass and reveal the curious imbalance between the UK's demand for clear glass bottles and its surplus of green glass from imported wine.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 79 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 29th January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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In this episode, we look beyond the politics to explore the recyclability of modern polyester flags. We explain why polyester is essentially the same plastic as PET bottles, how new textile recycling facilities could give old flags a second life, and the best ways to recycle them in the UK. We also compare the UK's approach with the United States, where worn flags are traditionally retired through ceremonial burning rather than recycling.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 79 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 29th January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Why do some products say "Compostable... except in California"? It's not because California has different compost—it's because the state has stricter anti-greenwashing laws. California only allows compostable claims if the material is certified and actually accepted by local composting facilities. Most facilities said compostable plastics are contaminants, so companies can't market them as compostable there. The result is the bizarre label: "compostable except in California"—a reminder that the material often isn't practically compostable anywhere, only California requires companies to be honest about it.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 78 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 22nd January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Many lighters can be refilled with butane using the correct nozzle. Ensure they're completely empty before disposal. Empty lighters may be accepted at some council hazardous waste sites, while refillable metal Zippos can be recycled with steel. Non-refillable lighters belong in the general bin. USB rechargeable lighters and matches are reusable alternatives.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 78 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 22nd January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Following our battery fire episode, we're tackling another common question: are used batteries still dangerous? The answer is yes. Even used batteries can retain enough energy to cause fires if they're crushed or punctured, so they should always be recycled at a battery collection point or through your local authority, never thrown in the bin.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 77 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 15th January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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This week we're looking at metal tealight cups, explaining why they're usually recyclable, the easiest way to remove the leftover wax, and why bundling them together with used aluminium foil helps ensure they're captured for recycling. We also explain what our Directory is and how it can help you find the right disposal option for everyday household items.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 77 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 15th January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Following up on our discussion about gas canisters in episode 73, we answer a listener question about why aerosols can usually be recycled at home while gas canisters can't. The key difference is pressure and the amount of flammable material inside, making gas canisters a serious explosion risk if crushed during collection or processing.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 76 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 8th January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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This episode shines a light on glow sticks and why they're firmly in the rubbish category. We explore the fascinating chemistry behind chemiluminescence, why glow sticks can't be recycled, the concerns around chemicals used in some products, and why reusable battery-powered alternatives are a brighter choice for the environment.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 76 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 8th January 2026.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Thanks to listener Tricia, who discovered us in the Radio Times, for asking about compostable Christmas card wrapping. We explain the difference between home compostable and industrially compostable packaging, why certification logos matter, and why most compostable plastics in the UK still belong in the general waste rather than food waste or recycling.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 74 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 25th December 2025.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Chocolate advent calendars are recyclable, but only if you separate the cardboard, plastic and foil. While brands like M&S and Tony's Chocolonely have tried to reduce packaging, the best option is still a reusable advent calendar filled with your own treats each year, cutting waste and avoiding unnecessary packaging altogether.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 74 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 25th December 2025.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Can brittle plastic bottles found during litter picks still be recycled? We reached out to the experts who explained that PET bottles are extremely durable and weathered bottles are unlikely to cause problems in the recycling stream, even after years outdoors. However, Gareth notes that plastics which have become brittle, fragmented, and heavily contaminated with soil or vegetation are unlikely to be successfully recycled and are best disposed of in the bin. The rule of thumb: recycle if it's largely intact; bin it if it's crumbling apart.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 73 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 18th December 2025.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Nitrous oxide canisters may be made of steel, but they are one of the biggest headaches for waste operators. Like batteries, they can explode or cause fires if crushed during collection and processing. Although recreational use was banned in the UK in November 2023, the canisters remain widely available and are still used legitimately for catering, motorsport and other hobbies. Whether small or large, they should never go in your kerbside recycling bin, empty canisters must be taken to a household recycling centre, where larger cylinders require special handling to keep staff and facilities safe.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 73 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 18th December 2025.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Buying new clothes isn’t always the greenest option. Re-dyeing faded black trousers with products like Dylon can dramatically extend their life, using around 60 litres of water compared with roughly 8,000 litres needed to produce a new pair of jeans. Research commissioned by Dylon suggests re-dyeing a pair of jeans can save nearly 20kg of CO₂ versus buying new. While fabric dyes do have some environmental impact, their footprint is generally far lower than replacing garments, making “re-dye, don’t rebuy” a compelling sustainability choice.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 72 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 11th December 2025.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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Are effervescent tablet tubes recyclable? To our surprise there were beads hidden in the lid. Those little silica beads are there to keep moisture out. The good news is that, according to recycling experts, the silica desiccant is compatible with polypropylene (PP) recycling and separates during processing. That means the tubes can be recycled as normal — definitely not rubbish.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 72 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 11th December 2025.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.
These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
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, X, 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 [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232
Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF
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