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 Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 67 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 6th November 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has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time.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 recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.

These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

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