Talking Rubbish - Recycled Content

Tree guards protect young trees from grazing animals, but if they're not removed in time they can become plastic pollution or even grow into the tree itself. We explore why millions are still used each year, whether biodegradable alternatives really work, why funding schemes often make them the default, and what better options exist for protecting newly planted woodland. This episode of Recycled C...

Trigger sprays might seem simple, but they're surprisingly complex. We explore why they were once considered difficult to recycle because of their metal springs, how manufacturers have largely switched to all-plastic mechanisms, and what that means for recycling today. We also unpack the "cap on" recycling advice you'll often see on trigger spray bottles and ask whether we really need such a compl...

Alice on Discord asked whether EPR actually takes pigment into account. The answer is yes, but not as much as you might think. Earlier versions of the assessment, placed much more emphasis on colour, whereas the final PackUK methodology only flags carbon black pigment as a sortation issue. Most other colour-related impacts now sit under the "application" stage, where certain colours can reduce the...

Can you recycle soap pumps? This week we dive into why they're more complicated than they look, how new spring-free designs are changing the game, whether it's better to keep reusing your pump with refill bottles, and the fascinating story behind how the humble soap pump became a household essential. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 82 of Talking Rubbish, whic...

A deceptively simple question; is a refillable deodorant applicator that's sold empty a product or packaging? We explore why this has divided opinion, how current UK EPR rules appear to treat it, and why there's a strong argument that refillable applicators should be classified as products rather than packaging. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 81 of Talking...

This episode we tackle the surprisingly tricky question of contact lenses. From the recyclable cardboard box and solution bottle to the tiny plastic lens pods and the lenses themselves, we sort out what can and can't go in your kerbside recycling. We also explain why flushing contact lenses is a bad idea, they're made from plastics and can contribute to microplastic pollution, and highlight free r...

A listener from Fife in Scotland, asks why their council replaced separate clear, green and brown bottle banks with a single mixed-glass recycling bin. We explain why glass colour still matters, how advances in sorting technology now allow recyclers to separate colours efficiently, and why simpler collections are becoming the norm. We also explore why different products use different coloured glas...

In this episode, we look beyond the politics to explore the recyclability of modern polyester flags. We explain why polyester is essentially the same plastic as PET bottles, how new textile recycling facilities could give old flags a second life, and the best ways to recycle them in the UK. We also compare the UK's approach with the United States, where worn flags are traditionally retired through...

Why do some products say "Compostable... except in California"? It's not because California has different compost—it's because the state has stricter anti-greenwashing laws. California only allows compostable claims if the material is certified and actually accepted by local composting facilities. Most facilities said compostable plastics are contaminants, so companies can't market them as compost...

Many lighters can be refilled with butane using the correct nozzle. Ensure they're completely empty before disposal. Empty lighters may be accepted at some council hazardous waste sites, while refillable metal Zippos can be recycled with steel. Non-refillable lighters belong in the general bin. USB rechargeable lighters and matches are reusable alternatives. This episode of Recycled Content, is th...

Following our battery fire episode, we're tackling another common question: are used batteries still dangerous? The answer is yes. Even used batteries can retain enough energy to cause fires if they're crushed or punctured, so they should always be recycled at a battery collection point or through your local authority, never thrown in the bin. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Ques...

This week we're looking at metal tealight cups, explaining why they're usually recyclable, the easiest way to remove the leftover wax, and why bundling them together with used aluminium foil helps ensure they're captured for recycling. We also explain what our Directory is and how it can help you find the right disposal option for everyday household items. This episode of Recycled Content, is the...

Following up on our discussion about gas canisters in episode 73, we answer a listener question about why aerosols can usually be recycled at home while gas canisters can't. The key difference is pressure and the amount of flammable material inside, making gas canisters a serious explosion risk if crushed during collection or processing. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question'...

This episode shines a light on glow sticks and why they're firmly in the rubbish category. We explore the fascinating chemistry behind chemiluminescence, why glow sticks can't be recycled, the concerns around chemicals used in some products, and why reusable battery-powered alternatives are a brighter choice for the environment. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episod...

Thanks to listener Tricia, who discovered us in the Radio Times , for asking about compostable Christmas card wrapping. We explain the difference between home compostable and industrially compostable packaging, why certification logos matter, and why most compostable plastics in the UK still belong in the general waste rather than food waste or recycling. This episode of Recycled Content, is the '...

Chocolate advent calendars are recyclable, but only if you separate the cardboard, plastic and foil. While brands like M&S and Tony's Chocolonely have tried to reduce packaging, the best option is still a reusable advent calendar filled with your own treats each year, cutting waste and avoiding unnecessary packaging altogether. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode...

Can brittle plastic bottles found during litter picks still be recycled? We reached out to the experts who explained  that PET bottles are extremely durable and weathered bottles are unlikely to cause problems in the recycling stream, even after years outdoors. However, Gareth notes that plastics which have become brittle, fragmented, and heavily contaminated with soil or vegetation are unlikely t...

Nitrous oxide canisters may be made of steel, but they are one of the biggest headaches for waste operators. Like batteries, they can explode or cause fires if crushed during collection and processing. Although recreational use was banned in the UK in November 2023, the canisters remain widely available and are still used legitimately for catering, motorsport and other hobbies. Whether small or la...

Buying new clothes isn’t always the greenest option. Re-dyeing faded black trousers with products like Dylon can dramatically extend their life, using around 60 litres of water compared with roughly 8,000 litres needed to produce a new pair of jeans. Research commissioned by Dylon suggests re-dyeing a pair of jeans can save nearly 20kg of CO₂ versus buying new. While fabric dyes do have some envir...

Are effervescent tablet tubes recyclable? To our surprise there were beads hidden in the lid. Those little silica beads are there to keep moisture out. The good news is that, according to recycling experts, the silica desiccant is compatible with polypropylene (PP) recycling and separates during processing. That means the tubes can be recycled as normal — definitely not rubbish. This episode of Re...

Prompted by an email from listener Kenton, we revisit the paper-versus-plastic debate. While plastic pollution is a serious problem, we argue that the best choice depends on the product and propose three tests for "good" plastic packaging: it should be recyclable, contain at least 50% recycled content, and be significantly lighter than the alternative. Using these criteria, plastic wrap around rec...

Are stamps recyclable? Used stamps can be donated to charities, which sell collectable stamps to raise funds, although everyday stamps have very little value. If you're saving stamps, trim around them carefully, leaving about 1cm of envelope attached. As for stamp books, they're likely rubbish. Self-adhesive stamp backing paper is thought to be coated with silicone so stamps can peel away easily....

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 ris...

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 h...

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...