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Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

James Piper, Robbie Staniforth
Recycling
Sustainability
Waste Management
Plastic Waste
Extended Producer Responsibility
Food Waste
Plastic Pollution
Plastic Recycling
Climate Change
Microplastics
Consumer Behavior
EPR (extended Producer Responsibility)
Environmental Impact
Black Friday
Carbon Emissions
Carbon Offsetting
Incineration
Disposable Vapes
Viridor
Textile Recycling

"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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PublishesWeeklyEpisodes98Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & CultureEducationHow To

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Latest Episodes

Reusable packaging is gaining momentum across Europe, especially in France where ambitious reuse laws are reshaping retail and hospitality. Fresh from the Reuse Economy Expo in Paris, we discuss why we believe much of the industry is over-engineering... more

YouTube

For nearly 30 years, the UK has operated a system designed to make brands contribute towards the cost of recycling through Packaging Recycling Notes (PRNs). This week, we take a closer look at how the system really works, where it succeeds, where it ... more

YouTube

It’s a familiar frustration, ordering something small, only for it to arrive in a box far bigger than it needs; wasteful and seemingly impossible to avoid. This week, we’re joined by Jude Pullen, a man on a mission to change that. Join us as we explo... more

YouTube

Amazon has announced that some older Kindles will soon lose support, turning devices that still physically work into obsolete products. It’s the latest example of a growing trend in tech, where companies phase out support and push consumers toward up... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Jude Pullen
Freelance inventor consultant focused on packaging and open hardware
Freelance inventor/consultant
Episode: 95. The tech that could end overpackaged boxes, with Jude Pullen
Eric Isaac
Guest, participant in The Plastic Detox and professor
The Plastic Detox project
Episode: 90. Inside Netflix's 'The Plastic Detox' - the story beyond the screen, with Eric Isaac
Steven Burns
Commercial Director at Reventus, focused on removing color from recycled plastics.
Reventus
Episode: 80. How to remove colour from plastic, with Steven Burns
Stephen Burns
Expert from Reventus focused on color in recycling
Reventus and Impact Solutions
Episode: 79. How colour drains the value from plastic recycling
Ellie Piper
Lawyer and partner of James Piper, co-hosting the discussion
Episode: 75. Sustainability around the world, with Ellie Piper
Stephanie Shires
Sustainability manager for various TV shows
Leverage Point
Episode: 70. Behind the scenes of sustainable TV production, with Stephanie Shires
Esther Carter
Chief Strategy Officer at PAC UK and expert on sustainability and waste management in the Global South
PAC UK
Episode: 65. Recycling realities in the Global South, with Esther Carter from Delterra
Gareth Morton
Manager of the FlexCollect project at Ecosurety
Ecosurety
Episode: 60. FlexCollect - closing the loop on flexible plastic, with Gareth Morton from Ecosurety
Sabra Chowdhury
Author of the book 'Consumed'
Episode: 54. Sachets - the true cost of convenience

Hosts

James Piper
Host of Talking Rubbish
Robbie Staniforth
Co-host of Talking Rubbish

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 485 ratings
  • Goodbye skip button

    This podcast is a genuine enrichment of the podcast genre. I actually learn stuff without having to resist sleep or the urge to hit the skip button. Genuinely pleasant stuff for anyone with even the slightest interest in their environment.

    Now here’s one criticism. Can the frequently laughing presenter (I’m not naming names) try to not sound like someone choking on a chestnut? Keep laughing, but keep the mental wellbeing of your audience in mind.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Torque de France
    Netherlands23 days ago
  • Episode 90 <3

    What an episode - inspiring, educational, and just simply brilliant. Having started listening in the very early days, I’ve always meant to write a review but it was this episode which compelled me to actually do it. I listen to your episodes in my daily lunchtime walks around the harbourside in Bristol and what embarrassment befell me when I laughed out loud at Robbie’s comment on taking his coffee black from now on. I had to stop and sit down to gather myself before continuing my walk. You guys... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bristol_H
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Get past the laugh and this is the most informative and engaging podcast out there.

    I’ve just clocked 30-yrs in the paper recycling industry (actually making the paper from kerbside collections) and find this such an informative and really well presented and funny podcast. James and Robbie both make the topic so relevant and manage to keep the content so fresh and engaging in a topic that a lot of people get the wrong information or headline grabbing sensationalism.

    Love it and listen to every episode.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Free Donkey Rides
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Superb pod. V informative and easy listening!

    I’m binging (bin-ging 😂) this pod on holiday and loving it. It’s so much more interesting than you would think. Loads of info about waste, what happens to it and how to reduce producing it in the first place by two knowledgeable and easy-to-listen-to guys. Not preachy, just very interesting and easy listening. I will sort my waste and share knowledge better as a result of listening. Highly recommend! Thanks guys.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bue and green
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • The perfect mix

    I started listening to James and Robbie’s podcast last year after seeing them live at the NEC talking about paper bottles.

    Working in the waste industry, I went in slightly nervous. There’s a lot of greenwashing out there, and I wasn’t sure what I was about to hear.

    Robbie’s laugh did catch me off guard at first… but I was pleasantly surprised by the podcast content.

    I recently did a 400-mile round trip and worked my way through more episodes, so it was great to have you both keeping me compa... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TheOfficialRealNaomi
    United Kingdom3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show is informative and engaging, with hosts who balance data with humor.
Episodes spark interest in waste policies and everyday sustainability actions.
Listeners praise the chemistry and practical recycling insights.
A few listeners note the entertaining banter, though one found the laughter a bit much at times.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#211
United States/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#4
United Kingdom/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#96
United Kingdom/Education
Apple Podcasts
#194
Canada/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#238
France/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#22
Denmark/Education/How To

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

95. The tech that could end overpackaged boxes, with Jude Pullen
Q: How do you balance the hype around AI with the practical realities of on-the-ground warehouse work when it comes to packaging decisions?
The discussion stresses a pragmatic view of AI as a set of rules and heuristics layered with selective AI, aimed at reducing cognitive load and improving data truth, while acknowledging the limits of current tech and the importance of human input on the factory floor.
95. The tech that could end overpackaged boxes, with Jude Pullen
Q: Jude, how did you approach designing Radio Globe and integrating it with hardware and software to explore packaging improvements?
Jude describes a collaborative, open-source process using a Raspberry Pi-based Radio Globe that brings together hardware tinkering, software heuristics, and input from engineers to prototype and test packaging ideas in real-world scenarios, emphasizing iterative learning and practical constraints.
80. How to remove colour from plastic, with Steven Burns
Q: What's your favorite color and why?
I would have to say blue, purely because the football team I support plays in blue.
80. How to remove colour from plastic, with Steven Burns
Q: What is your vision for the future?
We are currently doing an engineering design package to build a first of a kind plant, and we plan to operationalize it by 2028.
76. Why your council tax isn't paying for your recycling anymore
Q: Why can we recycle aerosols at home, but not gas canisters?
Aerosols contain small amounts of product and are at low pressure, making them less risky for recycling compared to gas canisters, which are high-pressure and can explode.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Talking Rubbish

What is Talking Rubbish about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts explore waste, recycling, and sustainability with a tireless mix of practical insight and accessible banter. Across episodes, they unpack policy mechanisms, packaging innovations, and real-world industry dynamics, while offering actionable tips for consumers and brands alike. Notable strengths include data-driven context, candid industry critiques, and humor that keeps a technical topic engaging. The show tends to appeal to professionals in waste, packaging, and sustainability, as well as curious consumers seeking to understand what happens to their rubbish and how to make better choices—without feeling lectured.

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Which podcasts are similar to Talking Rubbish?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking Rubbish:

1. What's Up Docs?
2. Sliced Bread
3. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth
4. The Food Programme
5. The News Agents

How many episodes of Talking Rubbish are there?

Talking Rubbish launched 2 years ago and published 98 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. Jude Pullen
2. Eric Isaac
3. Steven Burns
4. Stephen Burns
5. Ellie Piper
6. Stephanie Shires
7. Esther Carter
8. Gareth Morton

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.

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