Best Robbie Staniforth Podcasts (2025)

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

27m 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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33. Why finding plastic in the ocean is harder than you think 56:46

43m 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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32. Is Trump right to bring back plastic straws? 53:58

6d 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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31. Shattered - the end of glass packaging? 54:21

14d 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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30. A good car crash with Stuart Goldsmith, Climate Comedian 49:15

21d 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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29. Rubbish decision? The shift to monthly bin collections 52:47

28d 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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28. Disappearing plastic? The controversy of oxo-degradable 54:04

1M 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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27. Why do we export so much plastic for recycling? 56:23

1M 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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26. Toxic tableware? The truth about black plastic utensils 53:57

2M 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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25. Interview - Alice Rackley, Polytag 49:54

2M 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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24. Are invisible barcodes the holy grail of plastic recycling? 51:32

2M 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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23. Recycling rewards - exploring Deposit Return Schemes 54:33

2M 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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22. Green Christmas - unwrapping festive recycling 58:49

3M 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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21. How sustainable is having a baby? 46:59

3M 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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20. Interview - Pierre Paslier, Notpla 53:35

3M 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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19. Breaking down compostable plastic 55:13

4M 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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18. The true cost of deals - Black Friday’s environmental impact 52:12

4M 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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17. Disposable vapes finally going up in smoke 49:30

4M 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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16. Burn or bury - how rubbish is incineration? 51:59

4M 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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15. Interview - Alex Robinson, Hubbub 50:06

5M 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…

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14. Halloween sustainability - the scoop on pumpkins 39:45

5M ago39:45

39:45

Welcome, ghouls and goblins, to a spooky special of Talking Rubbish! This week, we explore the truly terrifying statistics behind the Halloween pumpkin. Plus, we will unravel the alchemy of chemical recycling, discuss what happens to that Halloween costume after the party and reveal some sustainable decoration ideas. Join hosts James Piper and Robb…

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13. Is recycling flexible plastic worth the effort? 47:45

5M ago47:45

47:45

Supermarkets are now collecting flexible plastic packaging, asking us to bag it up and return it. But with reports suggesting much of it ends up being burned, is our recycling effort going to waste? In this episode, we dive into why it's still worth recycling flexible plastic. Plus, we explore how plastic is mechanically recycled, whether cables ca…

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12. Which plastics have been banned and why? 44:16

5M ago44:16

44:16

Over the past couple of years, the UK government has banned certain plastics, from straws to balloon sticks. Find out the impact these bans can have and how they drive behaviour change. Plus, how are plastics sorted, can plastic toothbrushes be recycled, and why do some councils recommend lining food waste caddies with regular carrier bags? Join ho…

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11. Are we really eating a credit card of microplastic weekly? 45:07

5M ago45:07

45:07

It’s a statistic reported in lots of places: each week we supposedly eat a credit card’s worth of microplastic. But, is it true? Plus, the final three types of plastic, can blister packs be recycled and what happens to the lime that is pushed in a beer bottle? Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Stanisecond as they delve into the world of recycling, …

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10. Interview - Nick Torday, Bower Collective 42:52

6M ago42:52

42:52

James and Robbie have a chat with Nick Torday, co-founder and CEO at Bower Collective, a B Corp pioneering refill in the home. Bower Collective deliver cleaning and personal care products in plastic pouches, which are used, sent back and refilled before being sold to another customer. The conversation covers a wide range of potential issues and sol…

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9. Why are cucumbers wrapped in plastic? 41:15

6M ago41:15

41:15

Easily the question James and Robbie get asked the most, 'why are cucumbers wrapped in plastic?'. A cucumber episode has been promised since episode one and it's finally time to answer the question! Plus, what types of plastic are out there, can pouches be recycled and which bin should shredded paper go into? Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Stani…

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8. Who's really paying for your recycling? 48:03

6M ago48:03

48:03

Every time we put out our bin for recycling, there is a cost. Currently, local councils pick up this bill but soon it will shift to the brands who sell us products. How will this work and what will it mean for us? Plus, how are the metals recycled, which bin do receipts go into and James has a question from his mother-in-law. Join hosts James Piper…

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7. How green is a Taylor Swift concert? 43:36

7M ago43:36

43:36

James has just got back from the Taylor Swift concert in London, how sustainable was the event? Plus, how are the metals sorted, can kitchen paper be recycled and are we going to see other changes in packaging because of EU rules? Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the …

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6. How can we make refillable packaging work? 43:53

7M ago43:53

43:53

Most of us want refillable packaging to work, but it seems to have continual bumps in the road, with trials getting cancelled and consumers struggling to engage. What have we learned from the trials that have taken place and what can they tell us about the future of refill? Plus, how is glass recycled, which bin do photographs go into and is it bet…

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5. Interview - Natalie Fée, City to Sea 38:31

7M ago38:31

38:31

James is joined this week by Natalie Fée, founder of environmental charity City to Sea. James and Natalie have a wide ranging discussion, exploring; how Natalie managed to get all the retailers to switch their cotton buds to cardboard, reuse trials, plastic recycling and waste incineration. To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram,…

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4. The surprising truth behind the carrier bag charge 43:48

7M ago43:48

43:48

Why has the carrier bag charge not actually led to a reduction in plastic? Plus, how is glass sorted, can birthday cards be recycled and are the infamous cardboard Olympic beds better than more long term materials? Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing i…

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3. Do the Olympics fuel packaging use? 36:11

7M ago36:11

36:11

Do we all use more packaging when major sporting events are on? Plus, how are cardboard and paper recycled, can cork be recycled and should you use a plastic bottle to store flexible plastic before recycling? 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 …

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2. Why coffee pods aren't that bad 45:03

8M ago45:03

45:03

Discover why coffee pods may not be that bad for the environment after all and how they can get recycled. Plus, how are cardboard and paper sorted, can aerosol cans be recycled and do you need to take tape off wrapping paper? Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. …

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1. Why are bottle caps suddenly attached? 42:03

8M ago42:03

42:03

Discover why bottle caps are suddenly tethered to drinks bottles and how this can help with their recycling. Plus, how is waste actually collected, can pizza boxes be recycled and why does council guidance not always align to national messaging? Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having…

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Welcome to Talking Rubbish 1:43

8M ago1:43

1:43

Join award winning sustainability experts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they talk absolute rubbish. Expect detailed discussion around some of the biggest topics in the world of waste, exposing some serious mistruths along the way, whilst having a load of fun. To get exclusive videos and clips, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, X or Facebook;…

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Robbie Staniforth Podcasts

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