Best Robbie Staniforth Podcasts (2025)

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Why toothpaste tubes can finally be recycled 55:51

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5d ago55:51

55:51

In a seismic shift that really damages the credibility of 'The Rubbish Book', toothpaste tubes can now be recycled. But what changed to make an entire product category recyclable, and what could this mean for other similar products in the future? In this episode, we squeeze out every last detail, from collection and sorting to recycling innovations…

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Labubu - the rise and risks of blind box packaging 56:42

12d ago56:42

56:42

The blind box market is booming, valued at more than $15 billion, with over 10 million Labubu dolls sold each month. But behind the thrill of surprise lies something darker, a system fuelled by FOMO and overconsumption. In this episode, we unbox the packaging to uncover the hidden psychology of blind boxes. Plus, are yoghurt pots rubbish or not, ca…

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FlexCollect - closing the loop on flexible plastic, with Gareth Morton from Ecosurety 58:25

19d ago58:25

58:25

Over 160,000 households across 10 local authorities have been trialling flexible plastic collections. The early results are promising: strong participation, positive resident feedback, and low contamination rates. But while 400 tonnes have been collected so far, that figure pales in comparison to the estimated 150,000 tonnes expected once all counc…

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How we made flexible plastic recycling valuable 58:38

26d ago58:38

58:38

Recycling flexible (or soft) plastics has long been a challenge; costly, labour-intensive, and difficult to scale. In this episode, we explore how major UK brands came together to fund groundbreaking work that helped make supermarket collection of these plastics possible, paving the way for household recycling in the future. James and Robbie, two o…

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Why plastic recycling isn't working 58:58

1M ago58:58

58:58

Plastic recycling is facing breaking point. Financial models aren’t adding up, legislation has stalled, and major brands are dialling back their commitments. With recyclers shutting their doors, we explore why the system is faltering, how the crisis could reshape the industry, and what it all means for the future of plastic. Plus, are water filters…

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Why the UN Plastic Treaty failed...again! 55:31

1M ago55:31

55:31

Hailed as a landmark effort to curb plastic pollution, the plastic treaty was supposed to unite nations around a binding plan to cut production, improve recycling, and reduce waste. But as talks dragged on, the deal collapsed under competing interests, petrochemical producers on one side, environmental advocates on the other. We break down what wen…

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Is aluminium the ultimate packaging? 57:04

2M ago57:04

57:04

Aluminium packaging is on the rise, moving beyond drinks cans and into products once dominated by plastic. But is it really the sustainable hero it’s made out to be? This episode unpacks the hidden costs and challenges behind the growth of aluminium, from its energy-intensive production to supply constraints, while also exploring its potential to t…

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How brands got us hooked on plastic, with Saabira Chaudhuri 49:23

2M ago49:23

49:23

This week’s guest, Saabira Chaudhuri, author of Consumed: How Big Brands Got Us Hooked on Plastic, takes us on a fascinating journey through the meteoric rise of plastic. From the quirks of history that propelled it past every rival material, to the boardroom decisions that sealed its fate, we uncover how plastic became the world’s go-to choice, an…

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Sachets - the true cost of convenience 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

In the UK, sachets might seem like a small, insignificant problem but across the world, they're anything but. In countries like India, sachets are the primary packaging for a wide range of everyday products. Globally, an estimated 855 billion are used every year. This week, we delve into the surprising history of the sachet, how it became a major c…

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Why excessive packaging is illegal 59:54

2M ago59:54

59:54

Ever received a tiny item in an enormous box? You're not alone, and believe it or not, that kind of wasteful packaging might actually be illegal. In this episode, Talking Rubbish unpacks (pun intended) a little-known piece of legislation that gives you the power to push back. We dig into the truth behind excessive packaging, reveal what the law rea…

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How landfills actually work 58:50

2M ago58:50

58:50

Often ignored and rarely understood, landfills are one of the most fascinating components of our waste system. In this episode, we dig deep (literally and metaphorically) into how landfills actually work, how they get closed when they are full, and why they need looking after for decades after the last piece of rubbish is dealt with. Out of sight d…

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Why does your glass bottle contain microplastics? 58:18

3M ago58:18

58:18

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 o…

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Conversations from Earthfest: Talking Rubbish with James Piper and Robbie Staniforth 32:32

3M ago32:32

32:32

In this live episode of Racing Green, recorded at Earthfest 2025, the spotlight is on the complex world of waste, recycling, and sustainability. Hosted by James Piper and Robbie Staniforth, co-hosts of the Talking Rubbish podcast and long-time voices in the UK recycling space, the episode dives deep into: Debunking common myths about recycling and …

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The truth about climate change, with Mike Berners-Lee 58:57

3M ago58:57

58:57

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-tell…

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Carbon offsetting - the good, the bad and the ugly 52:36

3M ago52:36

52:36

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…

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Conversations from Earthfest 2025: Going Conscious with Nikki Trott and Arizona Muse 49:41

3M ago49:41

49:41

In this inspiring conversation, recorded live at Earthfest 2025, sustainability advocate and model Arizona Muse joins host Nikki Trott to explore what it means to lead with purpose, intuition, and deep connection to nature. They discuss Arizona’s journey from fashion icon to environmental activist, the challenges and joys of working with biodynamic…

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Green fields - can festivals be sustainable? 58:14

3M ago58:14

58:14

It’s Glastonbury! As festival season kicks off, so does a tidal wave of waste, but also a chance for change. Festivals create a unique, closed environment ideal for using compostable plastics, reusable packaging, and cutting-edge sustainability tech. This week, we dive into the most exciting eco-initiatives happening on the festival circuit and ask…

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Recycling in flats - how to make it work 59:58

4M ago59:58

59:58

Flats and houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) have long posed a challenge for the recycling industry, with high contamination rates and varied attitudes toward waste separation. In this episode, we explore what recent trials have revealed about improving recycling in these tricky settings and how much of a difference these changes could make acros…

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Greenwashing exposed - the brands that mislead 58:43

4M ago58:43

58:43

Greenwashing. It's a term we’re hearing far too often, especially about brands that should know better. In this episode, we unpack how slick marketing turns cost-cutting and empty promises into the illusion of sustainability. From misleading campaigns to carefully buried truths, we reveal how companies exploit eco-conscious consumers in the name of…

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Recycling labels explained, with Alice Harlock from OPRL 49:08

4M ago49:08

49:08

This week on the podcast, James and Robbie sit down with Alice Harlock from OPRL, the organisation behind those “recycle” or “do not recycle” labels on packaging. We increasingly rely on these labels to guide our recycling habits, but how do they stay accurate in a world of constantly changing local rules and slow packaging timelines? Alice shares …

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RAM raid - should the Government control our packaging? 55:39

4M ago55:39

55:39

As part of sweeping new recycling legislation, the UK Government is rolling out the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), a traffic light system rating how recyclable packaging really is. But is it any government’s job to steer material choices, or should markets decide? Could this stifle innovation in emerging materials without established r…

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Does plastic cause heart disease? 55:43

5M ago55:43

55:43

Last month, headlines sounded the alarm: 'Plastic causes heart disease!' Scary? Definitely. But as usual, the reality is far more complex than the clickbait. What kind of plastic are we talking about? How exactly are we exposed to it? And if it’s so harmful, why are we still making it? In this episode, we cut through the noise, unpack the science, …

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Do we really only recycle 9% of plastic? 58:58

5M ago58:58

58:58

The widely cited statistic that just 9% of plastic is recycled has become a common talking point, but how accurate is it? In this episode, we unpack the truth behind the number and explore the complex world of plastic recycling. From the recycling-friendly plastic bottle to the problematic flexible films, not all plastics are created equal, and nei…

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On a mission - what can we learn from plastic recycling in South Africa? 57:36

5M ago57:36

57:36

Robbie is back from a Global Expert Mission to South Africa, where he explored the challenges and innovations shaping plastic recycling and sustainability. In this episode, he shares eye-opening insights from his trip, from the realities of landfills and the role of waste reclaimers to the impact of voluntary Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) …

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Is paper the new glass, with Will Connolly from Diageo 50:58

5M ago50:58

50:58

Our first ever live episode, recorded at the NEC in Birmingham during Packaging Innovations! In this special episode, James and Robbie are joined by Will Connolly from Diageo, the creative force behind the paper-based packaging for iconic brands like Johnnie Walker and Baileys. Together, we dive deeper into the world of paperisation, exploring why …

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From plastic to paper - a greener move or greenwashed myth? 59:37

6M ago59:37

59:37

The shift from plastic to paper is gaining momentum as brands look for more sustainable packaging, but is paper really the better option? This episode digs beneath the surface of the paper trend, uncovering hidden environmental concerns like increasing monoculture forests, water use and the carbon impact of paper. Plus, we also dive into how textil…

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Who is the best recycler in England? 51:24

6M ago51:24

51:24

The recycling league tables are in! Recycling rates are on the rise, but there is a twist; the actual amount of packaging being recycled is going down. Confused? So were we. In this episode, we unpack this surprising contradiction and dive into the data. Which regions in England are leading the charge, and which are falling behind? And more importa…

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Eco-pets - reducing your pet’s carbon pawprint 54:34

6M ago54:34

54:34

Happy National Pet Day! In this special episode, we're celebrating our beloved furry companions while exploring how to care for them in a more eco-friendly way. From sustainable pet diets to the best plastics for waste disposal, we’ll share simple tips to reduce your pet’s pawprint on the planet. Plus, how are pet food pouches recycled, are dog toy…

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Ditching disposables - making reusable coffee cups the new normal 56:27

6M ago56:27

56:27

Despite years of effort, reusable cup initiatives have struggled to break through, often dismissed as 'interesting but not scalable'. Some coffee shops have even banned single-use cups, only to watch their sales drop. So, what’s really holding reuse back? And can we ever make it the norm? In this episode, we dive into the successes, setbacks, and l…

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How to recycle a coffee cup with Rob Tilsley from James Cropper 50:48

6M ago50:48

50:48

This week on the podcast, James and Robbie dive deeper into the world of coffee cups with special guest Rob Tilsley from James Cropper, a UK pioneer in coffee cup recycling. Together, they unpack the hidden economics behind plastic-lined cups versus innovative new coatings, reveal how brands and retailers have been quietly working to collect our us…

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Cups, coatings, and confusion - why your coffee cup isn’t recycled 57:44

7M ago57:44

57:44

We get through a staggering 3.2 billion single-use paper coffee cups every year and most of us assume they’re easily recyclable. But the reality? It’s not that simple. In this episode, we unpack why coffee cups are so hard to recycle, why they need to be collected separately, and what role those tricky plastic coatings play. Listen to find out what…

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Why finding plastic in the ocean is harder than you think 56:46

7M ago56:46

56:46

Ocean plastic pollution is a massive problem, but it’s even worse than we think. Many imagine vast islands of floating rubbish, easy to scoop up and remove. The reality? Most of it is nearly invisible, scattered from the surface to the deepest trenches. On today’s episode of Talking Rubbish, we uncover the shocking truth about ocean plastic and why…

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Is Trump right to bring back plastic straws? 53:58

7M ago53:58

53:58

It was only a matter of time before a Trump policy made its way onto Talking Rubbish, his ‘BACK TO PLASTIC’ post on social media sealed the deal. This week, we’re diving into the much-vilified drinking straw. What’s the best material for it? Is there any logic in returning to plastic? And why are we so strangely obsessed with straws in the first pl…

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Shattered - the end of glass packaging? 54:21

7M ago54:21

54:21

With a wave of new recycling legislation on the horizon, weight-based costs are set to become the norm. Could this spell the end of glass packaging as companies pivot to lighter paper and plastic alternatives? In this episode, we break down four key pieces of legislation coming in the next few years and explore how they could reshape the packaging …

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A good car crash with Stuart Goldsmith, Climate Comedian 49:15

8M ago49:15

49:15

This week, James and Robbie welcome Stuart Goldsmith, a climate comedian. Stuart has performed comedy on TV around the world, including on Live At The Apollo, Conan, and Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central. He now uses his material on climate to support sustainability teams of large organisations, and turn dread into hope and action. Lots of fun was…

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Rubbish decision? The shift to monthly bin collections 52:47

8M ago52:47

52:47

Bristol is considering a shift to a 4-weekly general bin collection. What’s behind this decision, and how could it help boost recycling rates? In this episode, we dive into the strategies councils are using to optimise waste collections, examining those getting it right and others that still have room for improvement in the ongoing search for the i…

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Disappearing plastic? The controversy of oxo-degradable 54:04

8M ago54:04

54:04

How can a plastic be banned in some countries and be mandatory in others? This is the conundrum of oxo-degradable plastic. This week Talking Rubbish attempts to demystify this particular plastic; explaining what it is, how it works and most importantly discussing whether it should exist. Plus, we dig into how garden waste is collected, is the netti…

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Why do we export so much plastic for recycling? 56:23

8M ago56:23

56:23

We all know tonnes of plastic are exported, but how much actually leaves our shores, and where does it end up? Talking Rubbish dives into the murky world of plastic exports, uncovering why China shut its doors, the ripple effects on global markets, and which countries stepped in to take its place. Plus, we break down the process of recycling batter…

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Toxic tableware? The truth about black plastic utensils 53:57

9M ago53:57

53:57

In October 2024, headlines exploded with 3 million articles urging us to ditch our black plastic utensils. But should you really? In this episode, we uncover the surprising science behind the sensationalism, revealing why the full story might prompt you to keep that trusty plastic spatula a bit longer. We also dive into battery sorting, debate whet…

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Making the invisible, visible, with Alice Rackley from Polytag 49:54

9M ago49:54

49:54

This week, James and Robbie welcome Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, a groundbreaking company revolutionising plastic recycling with UV watermark technology. Trusted by major retailers like Aldi, Co-op, Ocado, and M&S, Polytag is set to cover 50% of UK domestic household recycling, driving significant change in the way we manage waste. Alice shares t…

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Are invisible barcodes the holy grail of plastic recycling? 51:32

9M ago51:32

51:32

Did you know the packaging you buy today might be covered in invisible barcodes? These barcodes help recyclers to work out what type of plastic a yoghurt pot might be made of, or whether an empty bottle was full of drink or detergent. For this reason they are cited as the future of our packaging! How do they work and where might we find them? Plus,…

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Recycling rewards - exploring Deposit Return Schemes 54:33

9M ago54:33

54:33

Deposit Return Schemes are officially on the horizon! With the Government having recently passed legislation, there’s no better time to dive into the details. How exactly do these schemes work? Will we all really be returning our drinks bottles and cans to stores? And why might this be a challenge for a country already equipped with kerbside recycl…

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Green Christmas - unwrapping festive recycling 58:49

9M ago58:49

58:49

Ho Ho Ho, and merry Christmas to all our listeners! In this jam-packed Christmas special we deep dive into tubs of chocolate (we feel this might be both metaphorical and literal this week). Why do the tubs and tins need to be made with brand new materials? What are we meant to do with chocolate wrappers? Also, we explore the recyclability of Christ…

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How sustainable is having a baby? 46:59

10M ago46:59

46:59

James has recently (and we mean very recently - like a week ago), become a father! This led him to think about the sustainability of having a baby and what steps he would put in place as a new dad to ensure his child grows up with a strong sustainability education. Plus, in this baby special, we explore how nappies are recycled, are wet wipes rubbi…

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How to make packaging from seaweed, with Pierre Paslier from Notpla 53:35

10M ago53:35

53:35

This week, James and Robbie are joined by Pierre Paslier, co-founder of Notpla, a groundbreaking company turning seaweed into sustainable alternatives to plastic. After winning the prestigious Earthshot Prize in 2022, Notpla has been making waves in the fight against plastic pollution. In this episode, Pierre shares the fascinating journey from exp…

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Breaking down compostable plastic 55:13

10M ago55:13

55:13

Compostable plastic has grown significantly in the past few years as producers of packaging attempt to move away from conventional plastics. Why is this material so hard to collect and recycle? Plus, we explore how electrical items are collected, are rubber bands rubbish or not, and we have a question about what to do with beer bottle lids. Join ho…

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The true cost of deals - Black Friday’s environmental impact 52:12

10M ago52:12

52:12

It's that time of year again, Black Friday. Where did this manic sales season come from and how sustainable is it? In this episode, we discuss the growth of Black Friday and what the rise in online deliveries might be doing to our carbon emissions. Plus, we explore the history of pallets, are duvets and pillows rubbish or not, and we have a questio…

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Disposable vapes finally going up in smoke 49:30

11M ago49:30

49:30

Disposable vapes are set to be banned by June 2025, but with an estimated 150 million still in circulation until then, what happens to these devices once they’re tossed in the bin? In this episode, we dive into the life cycle of a disposable vape and the environmental impact of improper disposal. Plus, we explain what you should do with waste wood,…

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Burn or bury - how rubbish is incineration? 51:59

11M ago51:59

51:59

Recent reports suggest that it is better to landfill our waste, rather than sending it for incineration. Can this possibly be true? In this episode, we dive into the nuances behind these reports, examining some key flaws in both the data and assumptions. Plus, we explore how flexible plastic could replace wood, whether credit cards can be recycled,…

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Fun recycling campaigns, with Alex Robinson from Hubbub 50:06

11M ago50:06

50:06

James and Robbie spend some time with Alex Robinson, CEO at Hubbub, a creative charity that inspires action that’s good for the environment, and for everyone. Hubbub's fun and innovative campaigns support individuals, households and communities to make a difference, by helping everyone get involved and building mainstream support for action on clim…