As part of sweeping new recycling legislation, the UK Government is rolling out the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), a traffic light system rating how recyclable packaging really is. But is it any government’s job to steer material choices, or should markets decide? Could this stifle innovation in emerging materials without established recycling infrastructure? And does a weight-based system unfairly favour plastic over heavier options like glass? We unpack the pros, cons, opportunities and indeed unintended consequences of RAM. Plus, how are mobile phones recycled, are staples rubbish or not and do aluminium cans really contain plastic?

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 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 talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp

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:
How are mobile phones recycled? - 10:45
Should the Government control our packaging? - 17:41
Rubbish or Not: staples - 47:55
Do aluminium cans really contain plastic? - 50:39

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Last month, headlines sounded the alarm: 'Plastic causes heart disease!' Scary? Definitely. But as usual, the reality is far more complex than the clickbait. What kind of plastic are we talking about? How exactly are we exposed to it? And if it’s so harmful, why are we still making it? In this episode, we cut through the noise, unpack the science, and explore the big questions behind the story. Plus, how are mobile phones collected, is the wrapper around butter rubbish or not and why do free compostable bags have holes in?

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 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 talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp

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:
How are mobile phones collected? - 11:25
Does plastic cause heart disease? - 16:15
Rubbish or Not: butter wrapper - 46:00
Why do free compostable bags have holes in? - 51:18

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

The widely cited statistic that just 9% of plastic is recycled has become a common talking point, but how accurate is it? In this episode, we unpack the truth behind the number and explore the complex world of plastic recycling. From the recycling-friendly plastic bottle to the problematic flexible films, not all plastics are created equal, and neither are the recycling efforts of countries around the world. Plus, how are ink cartridges recycled, are stickers rubbish or not and do laundry pods break down into microplastics?

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 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 talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp

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:
How are ink cartridges recycled? - 13:16
Do we really only recycle 9% of plastic? - 21:27
Rubbish or Not: stickers - 50:03
Do laundry pods break down into microplastics? - 53:15

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL