Rubbish Talk

Hosted by Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd

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Episodes

127

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

The Rubbish Talk podcast is brought to you by staff from Albion Environmental, to widen the conversation about managing waste and resources in the UK. Each episode will interview a new guest who plays an important role within the waste and resource management industry. We will discuss everything from career journeys, balancing work and personal life, and generally just talk some rubbish. Get in touch by emailing hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk Episodes released Thu. 4pm fortnightly. LinkedIn: Albion Environmental Latest industry news: www.industrynews.albion-environmental.co.uk

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60 recent

August 20, 202639 min

Episode 123: Is Scotland Running Out of Space for Residual Waste?

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is back with another solo episode, taking a deep dive into an issue becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: does Scotland have enough accessible capacity to manage its residual waste? A key starting point is Zero Waste Scotland's recent Energy from Waste Capacity report. It estimates that Scotland could have around 2.37 million tonnes per year of permitted EfW capacity by 2028, but operational capacity is expected to be lower at around 1.96–2.08 million tonnes. Crucially, the report also identifies limited headroom for planned and unexpected shutdowns. Alasdair argues that capacity on paper is very different from capacity actually available to operators. Existing contracts, location, waste specifications, planned maintenance and unexpected breakdowns can all restrict where residual waste can realistically go. The pressure isn't limited to EfW. Zero Waste Scotland's 2025 Landfill Capacity Assessment looked ahead to 2036 and made recommendations to address a projected landfill capacity deficit from 2026–27. Recent developments add to those concerns. Avondale Environmental entered administration in 2025, while Valencia extended landfill closures across its seven UK sites. Meanwhile, an appeal concerning proposals to increase landfill capacity at Greenoakhill Quarry remains with the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division. For smaller waste and skip operators, fewer outlets can quickly become a major operational problem. Even after everything realistically recyclable has been removed, residual material still needs somewhere lawful to go. If those outlets aren't available, waste can begin accumulating on sites, potentially turning a capacity problem into a permit compliance issue. And this isn't just a waste industry problem. Higher disposal and transport costs ultimately feed through to construction, manufacturing, local authorities, businesses and the public. Alasdair also raises concerns that restricting legitimate outlets could create greater opportunities for illegal disposal. With Scotland's landfill ban due to take full effect from 1 January 2028, the question isn't simply whether Scotland has enough capacity – it's whether we have enough resilience when facilities close, break down or reach capacity. 💬 We'd particularly like to hear from waste operators. Are you already experiencing capacity or disposal issues? What do you think needs to happen next? Get in touch and share your experiences at hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk. Useful Links: Zero Waste Scotland | Energy Waste Capacity Report Zero Waste Scotland | Landfill Capacity Assessment Report Scottish Government | PPA-260-2186 (Planning Permission Appeal) Avondale Environmental Enters Administration Valencia Extends Landfill Closures to all Seven UK Sites Firefighters Spend Second Night Tackling Blaze at Landfill Site

August 6, 202617 min

Episode 122: The Future of Rubbish Talk & The Challenges Facing the Waste Sector

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair returns with another solo episode to share an update on the future of the podcast and reflect on some of the biggest challenges currently facing the waste and resources sector. Following the response to Episode 121, Alasdair begins by thanking everyone who has reached out with feedback, guest suggestions and offers of support. He explains that while Rubbish Talk won't be releasing a brand-new episode every week for the next few months, the podcast isn't going anywhere. Alongside a number of new guest interviews already in the pipeline, the team will also be revisiting some of the 121 previous episodes, sharing valuable conversations that many newer listeners may have missed. The episode also includes some personal reflections from a recent trip to Spain, where Alasdair was struck by the cleanliness of public spaces and beaches. Comparing this with the UK's ongoing litter problem, he asks why people often behave differently abroad and whether investing more in street cleansing and public awareness could help change attitudes at home. Turning to the industry, Alasdair discusses what he believes is one of the most challenging periods the waste sector has faced in decades. With Energy from Waste facilities offline, landfill capacity becoming increasingly limited and several operators facing significant disruption, he explains how pressure is building across the entire waste management system. He argues that waste continues to flow regardless of the challenges, meaning any disruption to disposal outlets has consequences throughout the supply chain. The conversation also explores the distinction between genuine waste crime and operators struggling with compliance because of limited disposal capacity. Alasdair believes regulators must continue tackling criminal activity while recognising the pressures facing legitimate businesses operating within an increasingly constrained system. He also calls for a clearer national strategy to ensure sufficient landfill and Energy from Waste capacity is available to provide long-term resilience for the sector. Finally, Alasdair highlights the upcoming Resources in Scotland Conference on 5 November, encouraging anyone working in the waste and resources sector to attend and take part in discussions around many of the issues covered in this episode. A thoughtful update on the future of Rubbish Talk and an honest discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the waste sector.

July 30, 202624 min

Episode 121: Reflecting On The Rubbish Talk Journey

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair takes to the microphone solo to reflect on the journey of the podcast, from launching in January 2023 with no podcasting experience to producing over 120 episodes packed with insight from across the waste and resources sector. Looking back, Alasdair discusses why Rubbish Talk was created and the importance of giving a platform to the people driving the industry forward. Over the past three years, the podcast has welcomed everyone from government representatives, students, industry leaders to frontline waste professionals, each sharing their own experiences, challenges and career journeys. Together, these conversations have created a valuable resource for anyone working in, or interested in, the waste and resources sector. The episode also reflects on some of the biggest issues facing the industry today. Alasdair discusses the need for better public education around recycling, food waste and littering, arguing that improving understanding and encouraging personal responsibility are essential if we are to move towards a more circular economy. He also explores the disconnect between policy and reality, highlighting the importance of honest conversations about what the waste sector can and cannot achieve. Looking ahead, Alasdair shares his vision for the future of Rubbish Talk. The goal is to reach a wider audience beyond those already working in waste management, helping more people understand the role the sector plays in tackling climate change, reducing waste and protecting valuable resources. He also invites listeners to become part of the journey by sharing episodes, suggesting future guests and topics, or even volunteering to support the podcast behind the scenes. Above all, Episode 121 is a thank you to everyone who has supported Rubbish Talk over the past three years—our guests, listeners and wider network—and a reminder that while the podcast has come a long way, there's still plenty more to discuss.

July 23, 202646 min

Episode 120: Emma Mulligan, Senior Consultant at Rooted & CIWM Early Careers President

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Emma Mulligan, Senior Consultant at Rooted Environmental and the newly appointed CIWM Early Careers President. Emma shares her journey into the waste and resources sector, her move to an independent consultancy, and her passion for encouraging the next generation to consider careers in the industry. Emma explains how her interest in environmental science led her into waste management through a placement with Norfolk County Council's closed landfill team, before progressing into consultancy roles with AECOM, WSP and now Rooted Environmental. She discusses the differences between working for large multinational consultancies and a smaller specialist consultancy, highlighting the opportunities for innovation, collaboration and working closely with clients across both the public and private sectors. A major focus of the conversation is Emma's new role as CIWM Early Careers President. She outlines her plans to inspire more people to join the waste and resources sector through greater engagement with schools, universities and apprentices, while also supporting professionals in their first ten years of their careers. Emma discusses ideas including webinars, practical career resources and building stronger networking opportunities to help early career professionals connect and develop. The discussion also explores some of the major changes facing the sector, including the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), and how new legislation could reshape recycling markets and waste infrastructure. Emma reflects on the importance of preparing the industry for change while ensuring new professionals have the knowledge and confidence to contribute to future developments. Away from work, Emma talks about completing the Brighton Marathon, volunteering with her local Brownies group, and leading running sessions in her community. She also shares why networking, asking questions and getting involved with professional organisations like CIWM can make a huge difference to anyone starting their career in the waste and resources sector. A thoughtful conversation covering careers, professional development, consultancy, industry change and the future of the waste and resources sector. Useful Links: Emma Mulligan | LinkedIn CIWM Early Careers Team | LinkedIn About Early Careers | CIWM Website Rooted | LinkedIn

July 16, 202641 min

Episode 119: Emmeline Aves, Commercial Manager at ReVentas

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Emmeline Aves, Commercial Manager at ReVentas, to explore the development of advanced plastics recycling technology and the challenges of turning difficult waste streams back into high-quality materials. With a background in Chemistry and Polymer Science, Emmeline shares her journey from research and development into the commercial side of recycling. She explains how she became involved with ReVentas from its early stages, helping to develop its pilot plant and technology programmes before moving into a role focused on bringing the technology to market. The conversation takes a closer look at ReVentas’ dissolution recycling process, which is designed to recycle common packaging plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Rather than simply melting the plastic, the process dissolves the target material, allowing contaminants including colour, dirt, odour and other materials to be removed before the plastic is recovered again. Emmeline explains how this can produce a much cleaner, “virgin-like” recycled material suitable for more demanding applications. This could help address one of the biggest challenges facing the plastics industry: producing recycled content that is consistent and high-quality enough to be used in packaging, automotive components and potentially food-contact applications. The episode also explores the journey from laboratory testing to developing a pilot plant and planning ReVentas’ first commercial-scale facility. Emmeline reflects on the challenges of scaling new technology, securing finance and working with engineers, customers and industry partners to make sure the final material meets real-world requirements. Flexible plastics are another major focus, particularly with more household films expected to enter recycling collections. Emmeline and Alasdair discuss the current lack of UK sorting and treatment capacity, the importance of creating markets for these materials, and why the entire supply chain needs to work together rather than relying on collection alone. The conversation also covers the influence of regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility and the Plastic Packaging Tax, which are creating greater demand for recycled content and helping to make investment in new technologies more viable. Looking ahead, ReVentas is focused on building its first commercial plant, expanding into new materials and applications, and exploring how the technology could be licensed internationally. Emmeline believes technologies like dissolution recycling can play an important role in keeping plastics in use and reducing the amount exported, incinerated or disposed of. A fascinating conversation covering plastics, chemistry, innovation, investment and the technologies helping move the recycling industry closer to a truly circular economy. Useful Links Reventas Website Emmeline Aves | LinkedIn Reventas | LinkedIn

July 9, 202631 min

Episode 118: Digital Waste Tracking, CIWM Think Again Campaign & News Roundup

This week on Rubbish Talk, Jane and Alasdair return with another News Roundup, taking a closer look at two of the biggest topics currently facing the waste and resources sector: Digital Waste Tracking and CIWM's Think Again campaign. They also discuss the latest industry news, from nitrous oxide canisters and vape recycling to the Tartan Army's tidy reputation. Digital Waste Tracking – It's Closer Than You Think Digital Waste Tracking is fast approaching, with Phase 1 launching on 1 October 2026 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, followed by Scotland on 2 January 2027. Jane and Alasdair explain that while there's still plenty of confusion across the sector, the Duty of Care system isn't changing – it's simply becoming digital. Their advice is to make sure you're already recording the required statutory information, start collecting it digitally if you haven't already, and familiarise yourself with DEFRA's upload process before the deadlines arrive. They also discuss some of the practical challenges smaller and remote sites may face. Think Again – Changing the Story of Waste Jane and Alasdair then take a deep dive into CIWM President Vicki Hughes' Think Again campaign, which aims to transform how people view careers in the waste and resources sector over the next decade. The campaign showcases the wide range of careers available across the industry and provides practical guidance for both job seekers and employers. Jane and Alasdair discuss why changing perceptions is key to attracting the next generation of talent and why the sector offers far more opportunities than many people realise. News Roundup Tartan Army praised for cleaning up after celebrations Jane and Alasdair celebrate the positive publicity surrounding Scotland's travelling fans after they were praised for leaving fan zones clean and litter-free. They agree that positive environmental stories deserve just as much attention as the negative ones. Nitrous oxide canisters cause £4.7 million of damage to waste facilities The pair discuss the growing problem of nitrous oxide canisters exploding inside bin lorries and waste facilities, causing injuries, equipment damage and significant downtime. They question why producers aren't taking greater responsibility for products that continue to create major risks for the waste industry. Could a £5 vape deposit improve recycling? Following calls from the Environmental Services Association for a refundable £5 deposit on vapes, Jane and Alasdair debate whether the proposal would actually work. While they welcome ideas to improve recycling rates, they also discuss the practical challenges retailers could face and whether stronger producer responsibility would be a better long-term solution. Rubbish Rant of the Week This week's rant returns to a familiar theme – the waste industry shouldn't be left to deal with society's problems on its own. Whether it's discarded vapes, lithium batteries or nitrous oxide canisters, Jane and Alasdair argue that producers need to take far greater responsibility for products that continue to cause fires, explosions and millions of pounds worth of damage across the UK's waste infrastructure. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

July 2, 202649 min

Episode 117: Katie Morrison, Founder of What Waste Code

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Katie Morrison, founder of What Waste Code, to discuss waste classification, compliance, digital innovation, and making it easier for businesses to find the right recycling and disposal routes. Drawing on her experience as a former Environment Agency officer, compliance manager and waste consultant, Katie shares how her career has taken her from investigating waste crime to developing a platform designed to simplify one of the industry's biggest day-to-day challenges: finding legally compliant facilities for different waste streams. The conversation explores the story behind What Waste Code, an online platform that allows waste producers to search for facilities by waste description or EWC code while helping operators showcase exactly which waste streams they can accept. Katie explains why existing systems can often be difficult to navigate and how a simpler, more user-friendly approach can save time while improving compliance. Alasdair and Katie also take a fascinating deep dive into European Waste Catalogue (EWC) codes, discussing how they are structured, why they remain essential to the waste industry, and some of the frustrations surrounding waste descriptions that don't always reflect the terminology used by operators on the ground. The discussion also covers Digital Waste Tracking, with Katie sharing her thoughts on how the new system could improve traceability and reduce paperwork while recognising the challenges smaller businesses may face during implementation. Together they explore hazardous waste, producer responsibility, and the importance of making compliance easier rather than more complicated. Katie also reflects on her time working with End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) sites, highlighting the progress the sector has made in depollution and environmental compliance, alongside the ongoing challenges presented by electric vehicles and changing legislation. Looking ahead, Katie believes technology has a major role to play in improving waste management, making compliance more accessible, and helping businesses see waste as a valuable resource rather than simply something to dispose of. An insightful conversation covering waste classification, compliance, digital innovation, hazardous waste and the future of smarter waste management. Useful Links: What Waste Code | Website Katie Morrison | LinkedIn

June 25, 202646 min

Episode 116: Stephen Cameron, Managing Director at Change Waste Recycling

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Stephen Cameron, Managing Director at Change Waste Recycling, to discuss business growth, source-segregated recycling, food waste, and the challenges of getting people to use existing waste systems properly. Stephen shares his journey into the waste sector, which began after the 2008 financial crash when he joined a small waste business on a short-term contract. What started as a temporary opportunity turned into a long-term career, helping grow SWR Newstar from a small unknown company into a major UK waste broker before eventually moving to Change Waste Recycling. The conversation explores the work of Change Waste Recycling, which operates from Edinburgh and Glasgow, employing 77 people and servicing over 3,000 customer sites each month. The business collects materials including food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and general waste, with a strong focus on keeping materials separate to improve quality and recycling outcomes. Stephen explains how Change Waste Recycling’s model differs from traditional mixed recycling collections. By encouraging customers to separate materials such as fibre, plastics and cans at source, the company can provide cleaner recyclables and help customers better understand what they are producing. He also discusses the practical challenges businesses face, especially in busy city centres where space is limited and waste collections need to work around daily operations. A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of using the systems we already have more effectively. Stephen argues that the UK’s waste and recycling systems are not necessarily broken — but they are often used badly. From food waste still ending up in residual bins to poor segregation in public spaces, the conversation highlights how much could improve if people simply used existing services properly. Food waste is a major focus, with Stephen and Alasdair discussing the huge financial and environmental benefits of separating it correctly. As Stephen explains, the true cost of food waste is not just disposal — it is the cost of buying food in the first place and then throwing it away. For businesses, better segregation can help reveal where waste is being generated and where savings can be made. Stephen also shares honest reflections from his career, including the excitement of growing a business, the lessons learned from difficult contract mobilisations, and why he enjoys working in smaller, agile businesses where decisions can have a visible impact. Looking ahead, he sees waste as a fascinating and secure industry with huge opportunities for young people. Despite growing automation and AI, Stephen believes waste will always need people, innovation and practical problem-solving. A thoughtful and engaging episode covering recycling, business growth, food waste, customer behaviour and why doing the simple things properly could make a huge difference. Useful Links Stephen Cameron | LinkedIn Change Waste Recycling | LinkedIn

June 18, 20261 hr 6 min

Episode 115: Anna Willetts, Environmental Criminal Lawyer & Partner at Gunnercooke

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Dr Anna Willetts, Partner at Gunnercooke, environmental criminal lawyer, and Immediate Past President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). With over 15 years of experience advising businesses on environmental compliance and enforcement, Anna brings a unique combination of legal expertise, a PhD in landfill engineering, and experience as an environmental consultant. This gives her a fascinating perspective on the challenges facing the waste and resource sector today. Anna shares her journey into the industry, from studying landfill engineering and working in consultancy to becoming a specialist environmental lawyer. Along the way, she has worked with businesses across the sector, helping them navigate complex legislation, regulatory investigations and enforcement action. A major focus of the conversation is waste crime and the increasing public attention on large-scale illegal waste sites. Anna discusses the role of regulators, organised crime groups and the wider challenges involved in tackling environmental offending. She reflects on the importance of ensuring enforcement is targeted effectively, while also supporting legitimate operators who are trying to do the right thing. Alasdair and Anna also explore how environmental regulation has evolved over the years, the growing complexity of compliance requirements, and the challenges businesses face in managing duty of care responsibilities across increasingly complicated supply chains. The discussion covers digital waste tracking, battery fires, disposable vapes and the practical realities of balancing environmental protection with day-to-day operations. The episode also touches on Anna’s time as President of CIWM, the importance of collaboration across the sector, and why attracting and supporting the next generation of waste professionals is more important than ever. Throughout the conversation, Anna highlights the critical role the waste industry plays in protecting both the environment and public health. A fascinating and thought-provoking discussion covering waste crime, environmental law, regulation, recycling and the future of resource management.

June 11, 202630 min

Episode 114: Vapes, Fires & Waste News Roundup

This week on Rubbish Talk, Jane and Alasdair return with another packed news roundup, focusing on one of the waste sector's biggest ongoing challenges: vapes and lithium batteries . They discuss the impact of the disposable vape ban one year on, proposals for a £5 vape deposit scheme, and the worrying rise in fires linked to e-cigarettes despite increased awareness campaigns. The conversation explores why batteries continue to end up in household bins and what more can be done to improve collection and recycling rates. The episode also covers a range of other waste sector stories, including Egypt's famous "Garbage City", the potential cost implications of extending the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to Energy from Waste facilities, progress towards the UK's Deposit Return Scheme, and the latest update on the clean-up of one of Europe's largest illegal waste sites. As always, Jane and Alasdair finish with a rant, returning to the issue of batteries in bins and the ongoing fire risk facing the waste industry. A wide-ranging discussion covering recycling, waste crime, policy developments, sustainability, and the importance of getting batteries and vapes recycled properly. For news links please head the episode on our website.