99. Why cartons aren't being recycled

Cartons are a staple of everyday life, but they're far more complicated than they appear. Made from layers of paper, plastic and sometimes aluminium, they're designed to keep food fresh and lightweight to transport, but that same design makes them challenging to recycle. Following recent news that the UK's carton recycling capacity has taken a significant hit, we explore why cartons became so popular, why they're often seen as a sustainable packaging choice, and what really happens after you put one in the recycling bin. Plus, are energy gel wrappers rubbish or not, are heavily printed cans recyclable, and is Robbie listening to Talking Rubbish in the gym?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 the official release of our 100th episode. We are holding it at Artists Residence in Bristol on the evening of the 25th June (from 6pm), to let us know if you can make it, book your place on EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Why cartons aren't being recycled in the UK - 05:31Additions and corrections - 29:00Rubbish or Not: energy gel wrappers - 38:53Rubbish News - 44:30Are heavily printed cans recyclable? - 49:01Residual Rubbish - 53:02 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

“Plastic-free” has become a powerful marketing claim, but is it always accurate? Following the EU’s formal definition of plastic, the term has come under greater scrutiny, raising questions about how it is used and understood. In this episode, we trace the origins of “plastic-free,” explore the nuances behind the label, and discuss why making the claim may not be as straightforward as it seems. Plus, is asbestos rubbish or not, what should we do with "presents" from the cat, and why is James infiltrating his local litter picking group?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 are going to attempt a live recording of episode 100, on the 17th June at 7pm, get the link here...Also, we would like to have an evening Talking Rubbish to celebrate the official release of 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 EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Should we ban plastic-free packaging? - 02:19Additions and corrections - 29:19Rubbish or Not: asbestos - 40:01Rubbish News - 44:53What do you do with "presents" from the cat? - 49:30Residual Rubbish - 53:28 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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 the solution, and why the future of reuse may be far simpler than many realise. Plus, are posters rubbish or not, can you claim a deposit from a crushed can or bottle, and why does James need a calming tea?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.If you would like to join us online for our recording of episode 100, on the 17th June at 7pm, register your interest hereAlso, 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 EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:Why we're getting reusable packaging wrong - 03:37Additions and corrections - 35:10Rubbish or Not: posters - 42:49Rubbish News - 45:54Can you claim a deposit on a crushed can or bottle? - 52:02Residual Rubbish - 55:08 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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 falls short, and what the future of recycling funding in the UK could look like. Plus, is expanded polyethylene rubbish or not, are stickers on fruit and veg compostable, and why is James boring a lot of TikTok?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.If you would like to sponsor the Ecosurety team, their JustGiving page can be found hereWe 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 EventbritePlease take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling trackerWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.eeTranscripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish websiteTimestamps:How brands fund recycling - the truth behind PRNs - 04:08Additions and corrections - 34:55Rubbish or Not: expanded polyethylene - 41:29Rubbish News - 45:02Are the stickers on fruit and veg compostable? - 49:24Residual Rubbish - 54:01 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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 explore why companies so often get packaging wrong, uncovering the logistical challenges behind every delivery, and discover how Jude is using a blend of creativity and engineering to tackle this surprisingly complex problem. 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 On the episode Jude mentions his board game Goats vs Llamas, which you can find here 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 [email protected] 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 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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 upgrades, creating mountains of unnecessary e-waste in the process. In this episode, we explore examples of planned obsolescence, the environmental impact of disposable tech, and what it could mean for consumers in the future. Plus, is wallpaper rubbish or not, will mass running events have to charge a bottle deposit, and why is James making friends at his local recycling centre? 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 [email protected] 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: From Kindle to kindling - how Big Tech creates waste? - 03:17 Additions and corrections - 33:44 Rubbish or Not: wallpaper - 41:32 Rubbish News - 43:52 Will mass running events have to charge a bottle deposit? - 47:54 Residual Rubbish - 53:35 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

A quiet revolution is underway in our supermarkets, the familiar barcode is being replaced by QR codes. But this isn’t just a tech upgrade. These next-generation codes could transform how we shop, unlocking detailed product information, improving recycling, and even helping to reduce food waste. As every scan reveals more data, this shift raises a bigger question: are we ready for a future where the things we buy know more about us than ever before? Plus, is cooking oil rubbish or not, will EU rules mean single use air fresheners are banned, and why is Robbie taking inspiration from Kamikatsu? 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 [email protected] 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 this the end of the barcode? - 03:21 Additions and corrections - 30:07 Rubbish or Not: cooking oil - 35:53 Rubbish News - 41:21 Will single use air fresheners be banned under PPWR? - 51:00 Residual Rubbish - 53:42 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL