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Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

By: James Piper Robbie Staniforth
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"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

© 2026 Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 103. PFAS - what you need to know about forever chemicals
    Jul 16 2026

    Forever chemicals have become a major focus in the media, with growing concern about PFAS turning up in our food, drinking water, and everyday products. But how much of the alarm is justified? How real are the risks, and is this something that should change the way we live, or is the picture more complicated than the headlines suggest?

    Plus, is a zip lock bag rubbish or not, will PPWR stifle innovation, how will baked beans be packaged in our dream supermarket, and are we really a fancy dress option?

    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:
    PFAS - what you need to know about forever chemicals - 02:41
    Additions and corrections - 33:18
    Rubbish or Not: zip lock bags - 38:37
    Rubbish News - 42:36
    Will PPWR stifle innovation? - 47:34
    Green Grocer: baked beans - 51:17
    Residual Rubbish - 54:29

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • 102. Greenwashing exposed - what Adidas, Uniqlo and Calvin Klein got wrong
    Jul 9 2026

    Last month Adidas, Uniqlo, and Calvin Klein all came under scrutiny for making misleading environmental claims. What did they actually say and what do these cases reveal about the future of sustainability marketing? This week, we take a deeper look at greenwashing, unpacking why environmental claims in the fashion industry are so difficult to get right. We explore what brands can learn and how sustainability messaging will need to change in the years ahead.

    Plus, is a BBQ regulator rubbish or not, why is Sainsbury's moving to white eggs, how will toothpaste be packaged in our dream supermarket, and are we boring for wanting our lettuce to look like...lettuce?

    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:
    What Adidas, Uniqlo and Calvin Klein got wrong - 02:47
    Additions and corrections - 31:57
    Rubbish or Not: BBQ regulator - 36:15
    Rubbish News - 41:10
    Why are Sainsbury's switching to white eggs? - 45:10
    Green Grocer: toothpaste - 48:07
    Residual Rubbish - 52:45

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • 101. PPWR - why packaging will never be the same
    Jul 2 2026

    From August 2026, the packaging industry enters a new era with the rollout of the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). In this episode, we break down what the new rules mean in practice, explore the biggest changes brands need to prepare for, and discuss how businesses are responding to one of the most significant shifts in packaging regulation in recent years. Plus, are Panini stickers rubbish or not, why did manufacturers remove lids from hummus and dips, how will eggs be packaged in our dream supermarket, and why is Robbie searching for a fox?

    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 like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of our 100th episode. We are holding it at Artists Residence in Bristol on the evening of the 3rd July (from 6pm), to let us know if you can make it, book your place on Eventbrite

    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:
    PPWR - why packaging will never be the same again - 02:22
    Additions and corrections - 27:27
    Rubbish or Not: Panini stickers - 36:03
    Rubbish News - 41:27
    Why did manufacturers remove the lids from hummus and dips? - 46:10
    Green Grocer: eggs - 50:48
    Residual Rubbish - 54:09

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
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