Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast Podcast By James Piper Robbie Staniforth cover art

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

By: James Piper Robbie Staniforth
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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. James does the research, while Robbie brings his unfiltered knowledge to the table, making for an unexpectedly entertaining deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of recycling. From busting myths to answering the wildest questions, you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even rethink what you toss in the bin. “Rarely dry” - The GuardianThe Rubbish Collective Ltd Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 51. Why does your glass bottle contain microplastics?
    Jul 17 2025

    New research suggests that glass bottles may contain more microplastics than plastic bottles or aluminium cans, but how is that even possible? We dive into where these plastics are coming from, why the media is not highlighting this surprising fact, and what it tells us about the hidden complexities of packaging. Plus, are cocktail sticks rubbish or not, do we actually need to put a bin liner in our bins, and why is James eating 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.

    To vote for James and Robbie in the Resource Hot 100, please use the links below:

    James and Robbie

    Sign our very first petition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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:
    Why does your glass bottle contain microplastics? - 2:31
    Additions and corrections - 28:47
    Rubbish or Not: cocktail sticks - 36:15
    Rubbish News - 40:29
    Do we need to put a bin liner in our general bins? - 47:55
    Residual Rubbish - 52:57

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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    58 mins
  • 50. The truth about climate change, with Mike Berners-Lee
    Jul 10 2025

    We’re thrilled to mark our 50th episode with a very special guest: renowned climate expert and communicator, Mike Berners-Lee. In this milestone conversation, we dive into his latest book, A Climate of Truth, which challenges governments, the media, and all of us to confront climate issues with honesty, urgency, and clarity. His call for truth-telling deeply aligns with our own mission of promoting transparent and impactful sustainability. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion, and let’s make the next 50 episodes even more powerful, together.

    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.

    To vote for James and Robbie in the Resource Hot 100, please use the links below:
    Robbie and James
    (see, I am not competitive, I put Robbie's link first!)

    Sign our very first petition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • 49. Carbon offsetting - the good, the bad and the ugly
    Jul 3 2025

    Carbon offsetting has sparked both enthusiasm and scepticism in recent years. Is it a vital source of funding for crucial climate projects, or just a clever form of greenwashing? In this episode, we unpack what it takes to create a carbon offset, why the process is so complex, and how growing scrutiny is reshaping the market. Plus, are Ozempic pens rubbish or not, do we need to remove the security tag from plastic packaging and have we found the best review we will ever receive?

    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.

    Sign our very first petition: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/poo

    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:
    Carbon offsetting - 2:01
    Additions and corrections - 29:16
    Rubbish or Not: Ozempic pens - 37:51
    Rubbish News - 42:40
    Do we need to remove the security tag from packaging? - 47:00
    Residual Rubbish - 48:46

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Show more Show less
    53 mins
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