Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast
James Piper, Robbie Staniforth2 x British Podcast Award winner 2026: Gold in Education and Bronze in Impact.
"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,... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 116 | Founded | 2 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | How ToDocumentaryEducationSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
After four episodes digging into deposit return schemes, we sit down with Julian Hunt from Exchange for Change to put some of our biggest questions directly to the organisation delivering the UK’s DRS. We discuss why drinks containers were chosen, wh... more
Norway gets around 98% of its bottles and cans back, so what makes its deposit return scheme work so well? This week, we unpack a system that is technically voluntary, yet has become one of the most successful in the world. We explore the tax that gi... more
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.... more
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
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Reviews
- Brill!
Great podcast, really informative & fun. Plus I like all the Bristol info!
Apple Podcasts5Haaaaas
United Kingdom5 days ago - What a treat
Wonderful podcast. I learn new things every week and have gotten a much better understanding of what happens to our waste! I have taken to picking up discarded vapes from the street to find the right bin for them (to the horror of my friends). Really enjoy the discussions about recycling policy and thinking more about the nuances and trade offs involved with how to design waste systems that work for people and the environment.
Apple Podcasts5reubenfamUnited Kingdom10 days ago - Less rubbish, more reason
As a paper packaging engineer, I find the Talking Rubbish podcast fantastic.
It’s not just for those working in the industry but for anyone interested in sustainability and the challenges we face.
As with many sustainability topics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out trying to understand and address the issues. At times, it can feel like meaningful change is impossible.
However, James and Robbie strike a fantastic balance. Their approach is both informative and reassuring. Making co... more
Apple Podcasts5Chr13SUnited Kingdom19 days ago - Recycling made genuinely interesting
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
Apple Podcasts5RagenNUnited Kingdom2 months ago - #1 recycling podcast
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
Apple Podcasts5bullyboltonUnited Kingdom2 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #187 |  United States/Education/How To |
Apple Podcasts | #1 | United Kingdom/Education/How To |
Apple Podcasts | #36 | United Kingdom/Education |
Apple Podcasts | #149 |  Canada/Education/How To |
Apple Podcasts | #37 |  Australia/Education/How To |
Apple Podcasts | #182 |  Germany/Education/How To |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Talking Rubbish
What is Talking Rubbish about and what kind of topics does it cover?
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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How many subscribers and views does Talking Rubbish have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Talking Rubbish?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking Rubbish:
1. Sliced Bread
2. The News Agents
3. Radical
4. The Rest Is Politics
5. Rare Earth
How many episodes of Talking Rubbish are there?
Talking Rubbish launched 2 years ago and published 116 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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What guests have appeared on Talking Rubbish?
Recent guests on Talking Rubbish include:
1. Lucy Siegle
2. Jude Pullen
3. Eric Isaac
4. Steven Burns
5. Stephen Burns
6. Ellie Piper
7. Stephanie Shires
8. Esther Carter
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.