Talking Rubbish - Recycled Content

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 Rubbish, which first aired on 12th February 2026. 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has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time.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...

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 recycling schemes, including the one available through Specsavers, for lenses and their packaging. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 81 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 12...

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 glass and reveal the curious imbalance between the UK's demand for clear glass bottles and its surplus of green glass from imported wine. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 79 of Talking Rubbish...

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 ceremonial burning rather than recycling. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 79 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 29th January 2026. While...

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 compostable there. The result is the bizarre label: "compostable except in California"—a reminder that the material often isn't practically compostable anywhere, only California requires companies to be honest about it. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 78 of Talk...

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 the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 78 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 22nd January 2026. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become...

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 Question' from episode 77 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 15th January 2026. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice...

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 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 77 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 15th January 2026. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes...

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' from episode 76 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 8th January 2026. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become...

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 episode 76 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 8th January 2026. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time...

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 'Rubbish Question' from episode 74 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 25th December 2025. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become...

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 74 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 25th December 2025. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated...

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 to be successfully recycled and are best disposed of in the bin. The rule of thumb: recycle if it's largely intact; bin it if it's crumbling apart. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from e...

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 large, they should never go in your kerbside recycling bin, empty canisters must be taken to a household recycling centre, where larger cylinders require special handling to keep staff and facilities safe. This episode of...

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 environmental impact, their footprint is generally far lower than replacing garments, making “re-dye, don’t rebuy” a compelling sustainability choice. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 72 of Talking Rubbish, w...

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 Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 72 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 11th December 2025. While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance ch...

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 recycled toilet roll may outperform paper wrapping, while also creating demand for recycled plastic that might otherwise be incinerated. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 71 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 4th...

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. Like greaseproof paper, this silicone coating can contaminate paper recycling, making the backing sheets unsuitable for recycling. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 71 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired...

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 risk that recyclable material won't be recycled. As always, check your local authority's guidance, as some collection schemes may be designed to use bags. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from...

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 handled separately as hazardous waste. We also cover what businesses should do, and why, unlike some household items, this isn't one for the DIY disposal route. This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 69 of...