Since February, the war in Iran has forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil flows and sending shockwaves through industries worldwide. But amid the turmoil, an unexpected consequence has emerged, recycled plastic is becoming more attractive to major brands. In this episode, we explore how the conflict is reshaping the economics of plastic, and what that could mean for the products we buy in the years ahead. Plus, are nasal spray bottles rubbish or not, is litter-picked waste ever classed as fly-tipping, and why does Robbie think episode 3 was worse than episode 90.

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 our 100th episode. It will be in central Bristol on the evening of the 25th June, 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:
How the war in Iran is reshaping the plastic market? - 01:54
Additions and corrections - 26:19
Rubbish or Not: nasal spray bottles - 39:49
Rubbish News - 44:29
Can litter picked waste ever be classed as fly-tipping? - 50:11
Residual Rubbish - 54:13

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

In recent years, the Government has been rolling out four major policies set to reshape the waste industry. But could these well-intentioned reforms have an unintended side effect, driving a shift towards more plastic? In this episode, we explore how Extended Producer Responsibility and the future Deposit Return Scheme could change the packaging choices brands make, and what that might mean for the products on our supermarket shelves. Plus, are plant pots rubbish or not, what percentage of household batteries are actually recycled, and why is James considering taking up smoking to insulate his house?

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:
Is the Government driving up plastic use? - 02:15
Additions and corrections - 32:47
Rubbish or Not: plant pots - 39:19
Rubbish News - 45:06
What percentage of household batteries are recycled? - 48:21
Residual Rubbish - 52:51

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

Last month, Netflix released The Plastic Detox, which we reviewed in Episode 86, and it left us with a lot of questions. One of the film’s featured participants, Eric Isaac, got in touch to let us know he could help fill in the gaps. So instead of a back-and-forth over email, we invited him onto the show. Join us this week as we go behind the scenes of this groundbreaking documentary, unpacking what the couples really did to remove plastic from their lives, what didn’t make the final cut, and the realities of trying to live plastic-free.

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

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL