Which aluminium foil; recyclable or recycled material?

Are glow sticks recyclable?

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has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. 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 [https://pod.link/1759333374] We would love you to join our community on Discord [https://discord.gg/8eP3FtfhPf] Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety [https://www.ecosurety.com/] To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rubbishpodcast/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rubbishpodcast], X [https://x.com/rubbishpodcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@rubbishpodcast] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rubbishpodcast/]; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@talkingrubbishpodcast]: @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 [https://wa.me/447356069232] on 07356 069 232 Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

What should you do with compostable plastic?

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 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 [https://pod.link/1759333374] We would love you to join our community on Discord [https://discord.gg/8eP3FtfhPf] Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety [https://www.ecosurety.com/] To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rubbishpodcast/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rubbishpodcast], X [https://x.com/rubbishpodcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@rubbishpodcast] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rubbishpodcast/]; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@talkingrubbishpodcast]: @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 [https://wa.me/447356069232] on 07356 069 232 Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

Are advent calendars recyclable?

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 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 [https://pod.link/1759333374] We would love you to join our community on Discord [https://discord.gg/8eP3FtfhPf] Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety [https://www.ecosurety.com/] To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rubbishpodcast/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rubbishpodcast], X [https://x.com/rubbishpodcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@rubbishpodcast] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rubbishpodcast/]; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@talkingrubbishpodcast]: @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 [https://wa.me/447356069232] on 07356 069 232 Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

Can you recycle brittle litter-picked plastic bottles?

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 episode 73 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 18th December 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 [https://pod.link/1759333374] We would love you to join our community on Discord [https://discord.gg/8eP3FtfhPf] Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety [https://www.ecosurety.com/] To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rubbishpodcast/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rubbishpodcast], X [https://x.com/rubbishpodcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@rubbishpodcast] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rubbishpodcast/]; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@talkingrubbishpodcast]: @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 [https://wa.me/447356069232] on 07356 069 232 Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

Are nitrous oxide canisters recyclable?

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 Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 73 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 18th December 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 [https://pod.link/1759333374] We would love you to join our community on Discord [https://discord.gg/8eP3FtfhPf] Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety [https://www.ecosurety.com/] To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rubbishpodcast/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@rubbishpodcast], X [https://x.com/rubbishpodcast], Threads [https://www.threads.net/@rubbishpodcast] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/rubbishpodcast/]; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@talkingrubbishpodcast]: @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 [https://wa.me/447356069232] on 07356 069 232 Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF