
"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.
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| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 113 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | How ToDocumentaryEducationSociety & Culture | |||

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. Us... more
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 poi... more
How do you talk about environmental issues without preaching, oversimplifying or making people feel powerless? In this episode, we are joined by environmental journalist and broadcaster Lucy Siegle to explore what she’s learned from more than 20 year... more
Recycling labels are about to change, but will they actually make recycling easier? In this episode, we look at the EU’s plans for harmonised packaging labels, including a proposed system of 24 different pictograms. Harmonisation sounds like a good i... more
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I absolutely love the rubbish podcast.
James and Robbie manage to make recycling genuinely interesting while explaining what actually happens to our waste and challenging a lot of the assumptions we make about what can and cannot be recycled.
I’ve been listening for a few months and I’m now working my way through the back catalogue. As a fairly obsessive recycling myself I thought I already knew quite a lot, but I’m learning something new with almost every episode.
Informative, entertaining... more
After receiving a rather nice book in the post (with a 30% recycled content plastic envelope) I felt obliged to write a review.
I never tire of telling people that I listen to a geeky podcast and try and pass on James and Robbie’s advice to be the best recycler possible.
However my enthusiasm in telling people about imminent soft plastic kerbside collection has backfired with the national delay, however it just gives me another opportunity to tell people about the podcast. Keep it up lads
Two amazing years of education, expertise and entertainment. Here’s to many, many more 😊
I’m learning so much each week, and definitely recycling more confidently! Big change! No more household wipes! Material wipes are washable, reusable and far more effective!
Love your passion, knowledge, delivery (and Robbie’s infectious laugh 🤣🤣). Thank you James and Robbie for my favourite hour and weekly podcast! 👏👏👏👏
I feel like I’ve found my people! I share so many of the same frustrations as our lovely hosts, and it’s oddly satisfying hearing them rant about the exact things that drive me up the wall too.
I’m a Geography teacher in Scotland, and I spend a lot of time encouraging young people to think critically about what they buy, how they consume, and what happens to things after they’re thrown away. The future of the planet can often feel like doom and gloom, but these kids genuinely give me hope. They... more
I am both gutted to have only just discovered this podcast, and delighted that I can now binge the back catalogue. I’ve listened to about 10 episodes so far over the last 48 hours and it is so refreshing to listen to discussions about sustainability which look at the topics from all angles, and help to evaluate our ‘best options’. Thank you both for your commitment to this discussion, it is a brilliantly educational, impactful, lifestyle podcast… someone should give you an award (or three 😜)
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #154 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Two witty, info-packed hosts guide listeners through the quirks of recycling and sustainability, balancing rigorous topic coverage with accessible banter. Episodes span packaging challenges, recycling infrastructure, policy levers (EPR, DRS, PRNs), and real-world consumer guidance, often weaving data-driven insights with practical tips and entertaining anecdotes. Noteworthy is the consistent focus on debunking myths, transparency about trade-offs in sustainability choices, and a hands-on, learner-friendly approach that appeals to professionals in waste and packaging as well as curious, eco-minded consumers seeking clearer guidance. A standout trait is the blend of industry expertise with approachable storytelling, making complex systems fee... more
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Talking Rubbish launched 2 years ago and published 113 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Talking Rubbish include:
1. Jude Pullen
2. Eric Isaac
3. Steven Burns
4. Stephen Burns
5. Ellie Piper
6. Stephanie Shires
7. Esther Carter
8. Gareth Morton
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