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 very quickly. We look at the challenges of making DRS digital, the trials already taking place around the world, and whether the UK could be building one of the last generations of manual deposit return systems.

Plus, are swimming caps rubbish or not, what happens to old household bins, how will stock be packaged in our dream shop, and why is James unusually angry at Lego?

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.

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 can't we just make deposit return digital? - 00:58
Additions and corrections - 28:02
Rubbish or Not: swimming caps - 34:38
Rubbish News - 39:09
What happens to old household bins? - 45:43
Green Grocer: stock - 48:01
Residual Rubbish - 55:40

Send us a message directly…

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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 deposits. Using Ireland’s scheme and the UK Government’s own forecasts, we ask who will really pay for DRS, why lower return rates can actually make the system more money, and whether there’s an uncomfortable tension at the heart of how the scheme is funded.

Plus, is Smint packaging rubbish or not, which council provides the highest quantity of bins, how will tomato ketchup be packaged in our dream shop, and why are James and Robbie excited about reusable packaging?

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 see James and Robbie live at London Packaging Week, get your free ticket 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

Timestamps:
Why the UK Deposit Return Scheme is free for brands - 01:00
Additions and corrections - 30:45
Rubbish or Not: Smint container - 35:53
Rubbish News - 40:37
Which council provides the highest quantity of bins? - 44:49
Green Grocer: tomato ketchup - 50:31
Residual Rubbish - 55:54

Send us a message directly…

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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 return points to the unexpected economy created by putting a value on bottles and cans. We look at what Ireland gets right, some of the unintended consequences, and what the UK could learn ahead of its own scheme launching in 2027.

Plus, are arcade tickets rubbish or not, why do we need a recycling label when everything will be recyclable, how will butter be packaged in our dream shop, and why are James and Robbie worried about being accused of being polyester?

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 see James and Robbie live at London Packaging Week, get your free ticket 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

Timestamps:
When does a deposit return scheme become a tax? - 1:36
Additions and corrections - 28:45
Rubbish or Not: arcade tickets - 35:10
Rubbish News - 39:59
Do we need recycling labels if PPWR requires everything to be recyclable? - 46:52
Green Grocer: butter - 49:23
Residual Rubbish - 55:13

Send us a message directly…

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL