• Are magnets recyclable?
    Apr 20 2026

    Common household magnets, like fridge magnets, are usually made from mixed materials and aren’t easily recycled through kerbside collections...and they will stick to everything in the recycling facility! Magnets found in electronics, speakers, motors, and hard drives may contain valuable metals such as neodymium or ferrite, which can often be recovered through specialist e-waste recycling. As demand grows for rare earth materials, recycling magnets is becoming increasingly important for reducing mining and waste.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 36 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 3rd April 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has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time.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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    3 mins
  • How is clothing recycled?
    Apr 19 2026

    In this episode we explore the process of turning unwanted garments into useful new products. After clothing is collected and sorted, items that cannot be reused are sent for recycling. Fabrics may be shredded into fibers to create products such as insulation, stuffing, or cleaning cloths, while some materials can be processed into new yarn and made into fresh clothing. This episode shows how clothing recycling helps reduce landfill waste, save resources, and support a more sustainable fashion future.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 39 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 24th April 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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    9 mins
  • How is clothing sorted?
    Apr 18 2026

    In this episode we take a closer look at what happens after clothes are collected. Once garments arrive at sorting centers, workers carefully separate them based on quality, type, material, and condition. Items in good shape may be prepared for resale in second-hand shops, while damaged clothing can be recycled into new textiles, insulation, or cleaning cloths. Some facilities also use modern technology such as scanners and automated systems to identify fabrics more quickly. This episode explores how sorting clothing helps reduce waste and gives old garments a second life.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 38 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 17th April 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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    7 mins
  • How is clothing collected?
    Apr 17 2026

    In this episode we explore the journey of clothes after they leave our wardrobes. From charity donation bins to store take-back schemes, clothing can be collected in many different ways. We discuss who gathers these items, and what happens to garments that can be reused, resold, or recycled. This episode highlights the importance of responsible clothing disposal and how small choices can help reduce waste and support a more sustainable fashion industry.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Process' from episode 36 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 3rd April 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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    6 mins
  • Does mixing waste affect recycling rates?
    Apr 16 2026

    Mixing waste, such as combining recyclables with general rubbish or food waste, has a significant negative impact on recycling rates. When materials like paper, plastic, and glass are contaminated by leftover food, liquids, or non-recyclable items, they often become unsuitable for processing and are diverted to landfill or incineration instead. This contamination not only reduces the overall volume of materials that can be successfully recycled but also increases the cost and complexity of sorting at recycling facilities. As a result, even well-intentioned recycling efforts can be undermined if waste is not properly separated at the source, highlighting the importance of clear sorting habits and public awareness in improving recycling outcomes.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 34 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 20th March 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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    4 mins
  • Are hot water bottles recyclable?
    Apr 15 2026

    Hot water bottles became a bit of a divisive topic on Talking Rubbish as you will hear. Traditional hot water bottles are usually made of rubber, which is not usually collected in standard household recycling collections. Rubber bottles are particularly tricky, as natural rubber can degrade and isn’t widely processed in recycling systems. However, some local recycling centres may accept them, although we couldn't find many! They can be repurposed, like using old bottles as ice packs, padding, or even for crafts. The most sustainable option is to use them for as long as possible, and then turn them into something else at the end of their life.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 34 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 20th March 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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    8 mins
  • How will EPR affect small businesses?
    Apr 14 2026

    In the UK, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is likely to have a more nuanced impact on small brands because of the specific turnover and packaging thresholds built into the policy. Businesses with an annual turnover under £1 million and handling less than 25 tonnes of packaging are largely exempt, while those between £1–2 million and 25–50 tonnes face lighter reporting requirements without full fee obligations. This means many truly small brands will avoid the heaviest financial burden, at least initially.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 33 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 13th March 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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    5 mins
  • Are tomato puree tubes recyclable?
    Apr 13 2026

    Tomato purée tubes are recyclable, although as always it is worth checking with your local collection rules. Even though they’re made from a mix of aluminium and plastic, the recycling process is designed to handle this: the tubes are heated so that any leftover food residue and the thin plastic layer are burned off, leaving behind clean aluminium. That aluminium can then be melted down and reused to make new products, meaning the material stays in circulation and reduces the need for virgin resources.

    This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 33 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 13th March 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

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

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    5 mins