Talking Rubbish - Recycled Content

A Discord discussion prompted us to ask what happens to bagged recycling. During a recent visit to a SUEZ Materials Recovery Facility, we learned that bagged recyclables are often treated as contamination unless staff have time to open them, and some loads can even be rejected if too much material is bagged. While some facilities have bag-splitting equipment, using bags generally increases the risk that recyclable material won't be...

After spotting a discarded fire extinguisher in a Bristol woodland, we looked into how to dispose of expired extinguishers safely. They shouldn't go in your household bin because they're pressurised and may contain hazardous materials, including older foams with PFAS "forever chemicals". Bristol Waste explains that extinguishers can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre, where they're handled separately as hazardous wast...

If you blow your nose on toilet paper, is it greener to bin it or flush it? We weigh up the trade-offs: incineration versus wastewater treatment, energy recovery versus water use, and even the surprising role flushed tissues can play in tracking disease outbreaks through sewage monitoring. Our conclusion: flushing probably edges it, but only if you're not flushing solely for the tissue. Wait until you're using the toilet anyway, an...

This week’s Rubbish or Not looks at Carex handwash refill pouches, which use 85% less plastic than bottles. Carex says the pouches can be recycled if you “snip to recycle”, but listener Alison struggled to find where. The answer lies in the Recycle Now locator used on the Carex website; these pouches are usually classified as either “cleaning pouches” or “plastic bags and wrapping” (flexibl...

When choosing aluminium foil, is it better to buy the one labelled "recyclable" or the one "made from recycled material"? In this episode, we unpack the difference between these two common claims and explore whether they're really telling consumers anything useful. We discuss why most aluminium already contains recycled content, why marketers choose one message over another, and whether recycled-content percentages should be displa...

Scratch cards have been around for decades, but are they rubbish or not? In this episode, we look at what scratch cards are made from, how the scratch-off coating works, and whether scratching it away creates microplastics. Using a National Lottery scratch card as an example, we explore its recyclability, the materials involved, and whether digital alternatives might be the better option for regular players. 

This episode of R...

This episode looks at pre-consumer recycling, inspired by a Paw Patrol toy labelled as being made with pre-consumer recycled plastic. Unlike post-consumer recycling, which uses materials collected from households, pre-consumer recycling uses manufacturing waste such as plastic offcuts and defective parts. We explore whether this should count as recycling or simply efficient manufacturing, and ask whether industrial scrap is truly w...

Are water pistols recyclable? Usually not in your kerbside recycling. Most are made from tough engineering plastics, likely ABS, which aren't commonly collected by local recycling schemes. If they're still usable, donation is the best option. If broken, your local recycling centre may be able to accept them.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 66 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 30th Octob...

Keep Britain Tidy estimates that around two million pieces of litter are dropped every day in the UK, with street cleaning costing taxpayers more than £1 billion annually. While most people understand that dropping rubbish can lead to a fine, the legal definition of litter is not always as clear-cut as it might seem. In this episode, we examine a case that challenged assumptions about what constitutes littering, exploring the legis...

The iconic red Solo cup, from its surprisingly useful measurement ridges and budget-friendly polystyrene construction to the challenges of recycling a product that remains a staple of American parties. We explore the environmental impact of these cups, why they're still so common, and how their story reflects broader questions about convenience, waste, and disposable culture.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not...

Recycling is often criticised as a distraction from bigger environmental challenges, but is that really true? We explore the argument that recycling creates complacency and discuss why it remains an important part of a wider sustainability system. We examine the role of personal responsibility, policy, economics and behaviour change, and why reducing waste, improving recycling and tackling larger environmental issues are not mutual...

Are balloons really as harmless as they seem? James and Robbie take a closer look at the environmental impact of both foil and latex balloons, separating industry claims from reality. From complex multi-layer materials that make foil balloons impossible to recycle, to questions around whether latex balloons truly biodegrade, the episode explores what happens when balloons become waste and the risks they can pose to wildlife. The co...

How important are recycling bins when you're out and about? After a listener spotted a lack of recycling facilities in Bristol city centre, James and Robbie explore the impact of on-the-go recycling and what happens when the right bins aren't available. Featuring insights from Bristol Waste, the episode looks at the challenges of capturing recyclable materials away from home, the success of Bristol's "In The Loop" recycling bins, a...

After initially assuming the recycling label was wrong, James revisits the topic and uncovers how Capri-Sun's newer screw-cap pouches earned certification as recyclable through OPRL and RECOUP's testing process. Along the way, the discussion explores what actually makes packaging recyclable, why some pouches can now go in your kerbside recycling, and how brands such as Heinz helped pave the way. If you've ever wondered why one pouc...

Why does your council want recycling dry, and does rain really make a difference? This week we revisit a surprisingly common recycling dilemma. We explore what happens when paper and cardboard get wet, why moisture makes sorting harder at recycling facilities, and whether a soggy box is destined for the bin. Plus, some practical tips for keeping your recycling in good shape, and a reminder that wet cardboard can always find a secon...

Are yoghurt pots recyclable? From the days of hard-to-recycle polystyrene to today's PP and PET packaging, we look at how yoghurt pots have become a recycling success story. Plus, a surprisingly heated debate: are Rolo pots actually yoghurt pots, or are they mousse?

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 61 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 25th September 2025.

While every effort has been made...

When a family trip to Bewilderwood sparked a question about whether waste-to-energy is really better than landfill, we found ourselves revisiting one of the biggest debates in rubbish. We explore the trade-offs between incineration and landfill, the idea of landfill mining, and whether today's waste could become tomorrow's resource. Plus, a brilliant listener story about a 10-year-old podcast fan putting his waste knowledge to good...

From shower poufs and loofahs to kitchen sponges, we dive into the surprisingly complicated world of cleaning tools. We untangle natural vs synthetic materials, what can (and can’t) be recycled, the ethics of sea sponges, and whether extending the life of your sponge is worth the effort. Expect cucumber relatives, plastic netting, and more sponge-related debate than you ever thought possible.

This episode of Recycled Content,...

Aluminium foil should always be scrunched into a ball larger than a tennis ball so recycling systems can properly detect it. As for the printed colours and inks on foil packaging, they’re simply burned off during the recycling process as the aluminium is melted down and reused.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 58 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 4th September 2025.

While every e...