Talking Rubbish - Recycled Content

In this episode, we tackle a growing everyday dilemma, what to do with electrical items that have built-in batteries. From disposable vapes to wireless headphones and smart gadgets, these products can’t simply be thrown in the bin due to fire risks and environmental harm.  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 28 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 6th Febru...

Netting around fruit, like the mesh used for oranges, onions, or garlic, is tricky to recycle. Most of these nets are made from low-grade plastic that recycling systems struggle to get value from, so they often end up being incinerated. However, most supermarkets will accept them with soft plastics. A better option is to or choose loose produce where possible. This episode of Recycled Content, is...

Garden waste, things like grass clippings, leaves, branches, and plant trimmings, is typically recycled through a process called composting. After collection, this organic material is shredded and carefully managed in large composting facilities, where microorganisms break it down over time into nutrient-rich compost. This finished product can then be used to improve soil quality in agriculture, l...

Garden waste makes up a reasonable part of UK recycling, and so it is important that households with gardens have an opportunity to collect and recycle their grass cuttings and leaves. In this episode we discuss the different options available to households.   This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 28 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 6th February 2025. Whil...

Peach pads are absorbent pads you find in meat or fruit trays, the ones that soak up liquid. These pads are made from a mix of materials, usually plastic combined with absorbent fibres or gels, and once they’ve been in contact with food, they’re considered contaminated. That combination makes them very difficult to recycle through standard systems. So while the tray itself might be recyclable, the...

When the UK Deposit Return Scheme goes live, a big question on many people’s minds is whether councils will stop collecting cans and bottles altogether. With a refundable deposit on drinks containers, more people will return their cans and bottles through dedicated return points instead of putting them in their recycling bins. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episod...

If you’ve ever tried to recycle a Pringles tube, you’ll know it’s not as straightforward as tossing a drinks can into the bin. Traditionally, those iconic tubes were made from a mix of cardboard, plastic, and metal, which made them difficult to recycle through standard systems. The good news is that newer Pringles packaging is starting to change. The company has been rolling out redesigned tubes m...

Glitter might look fun and harmless, but it has a surprisingly serious environmental impact. Most glitter is a microplastic, tiny pieces of plastic that don’t biodegrade and can easily end up in rivers, oceans, and soil. While one use may seem insignificant, the widespread popularity of glitter means its impact adds up quickly, making it far less innocent than it appears. This episode of Recycled...

In this episode, we take a closer look at paper train tickets and whether they can actually be recycled. The answer might surprise you (it definitely surprised us). We break down whether they can be processed like standard cardboard or whether there is contamination that can impact their recyclability. This episode uncovers what really happens when you toss a train ticket in the recycling bin, and...

In this episode, we explore how batteries are recycled and transformed into valuable raw materials. From mechanical processing to advanced  techniques, we break down how metals are recovered and reused in new products. We also highlight the environmental benefits of battery recycling, including reducing the need for mining and cutting down on waste. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to batterie...

In this episode, we focus on what happens after batteries are collected, diving into how they are sorted for recycling. We explain how different types are separated using a mix of manual checks and automated technologies. Proper sorting is essential to ensure safe handling, prevent fire risks, and maximise the recovery of valuable materials. If you’ve ever wondered how mixed battery recycling is m...

In this episode, we take a closer look at how batteries are collected and why proper disposal matters more than ever. We explore the legislation that led to battery recycling schemes in supermarkets, making it easier for everyone to recycle responsibly. From the environmental risks of incorrect disposal to the systems in place today, we break it all down in a clear, practical way to help you under...

In this episode, we tackle a question that puzzles many of us when sorting our waste, why do some flexible plastics carry a “don't recycle” label? While certain plastic films can be recycled, others aren’t accepted by recyclers, and telling the difference isn’t always easy without clear guidance. If you’ve ever hesitated at the bin, unsure what belongs where, this episode breaks it down with simpl...

Are fireworks recyclable? In this episode, we discuss why fireworks can’t go in your recycling bin, and what to do with leftover debris after a display. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean up responsibly after the show, this quick guide has you covered. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 23 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 2nd January 2025. While every...

In this episode, we answer a common holiday question, is wrapping paper recyclable? We break down the simple tests you can use at home to tell whether gift wrap belongs in the recycling bin or the rubbish. Learn why shiny, glittery, and laminated wrapping papers often can’t be recycled, how the 'scrunch test' works, and what materials recycling facilities actually accept. If you want to reduce gen...

Are Christmas crackers recyclable?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 22 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 26th December 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycli...

How are Christmas trees recycled?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 22 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 26th December 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycli...

Are wet wipes recyclable?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 21 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 19th December 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in you...

How are nappies recycled?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 21 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 19th December 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in yo...

What should we do with beer bottle lids?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 19 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 5th December 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to...

Are rubber bands recyclable?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 19 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 5th December 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in y...

How are electrical items recycled?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 23 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 2nd January 2025. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recyclin...

How are electrical items collected?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 19 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 5th December 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycl...

Did we ruin our recycling by making Halloween decorations?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 18 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 28th November 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the r...

Are duvet covers and pillowcases recyclable?  This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 18 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 28th November 2024. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply...