Rubbish Talk

10/09/2026

♻️ Throwback Thursday | Episode 5: Robin Baird from Cireco ♻️

Another , as we continue working our way through the Rubbish Talk archives!

This week we're revisiting Episode 5, where Alasdair and Heather sat down with Robin Baird, CEO of Cireco, to hear about his journey into the waste and resources sector and his role at Cireco.

Robin also shares some great advice for anyone starting out in their career – along with a bit of life advice inspired by the poem ‘The Man in the Mirror’.

The episode also covers some of the waste news making headlines at the time, including Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme and the risks associated with sky lanterns.

Whether you missed it back in 2023 or fancy another listen, give Episode 5 a revisit!

🔗 https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/2023/03/13/episode-5-robin-baird-ceo-of-cireco/

03/09/2026

♻️ Throwback Thursday | Episode 4: Laura Tainsh from Davidson Chalmers Stewart ♻️

We're delving back into the Rubbish Talk archives for another !

This week we're revisiting Episode 4, featuring Laura Tainsh from Davidson Chalmers Stewart, for a conversation looking at the legal side of the waste and environmental sector.

It's another great opportunity to rediscover one of our earliest guest episodes – or listen for the first time if you missed it back in 2023!

🎧 Listen here: https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/2023/03/01/episode-4-laura-tainsh-from-davidson-chalmers-stewart/

Have you been listening since the early days of Rubbish Talk? Let us know below! 👇

31/08/2026

♻️ Did you catch Episode 123 of Rubbish Talk?

If you missed last week’s episode, there’s still time to catch up on Alasdair’s deep dive into a growing concern for Scotland’s waste sector – residual waste capacity.

With landfill outlets reducing and pressure on Energy from Waste facilities increasing, Alasdair asks whether Scotland has enough accessible capacity and resilience to manage the waste we continue to produce.

And importantly, what happens to legitimate operators when there simply aren’t enough outlets available?

🎧 Catch up on Episode 123 now wherever you get your podcasts.

📰 You can also read our latest article exploring the issue in more detail: [INSERT NEWS ARTICLE LINK]

💬 Are you experiencing capacity or disposal challenges? We want to hear what’s happening on the ground. Comment below or email [email protected].

27/08/2026

♻️ Throwback Thursday | Episode 3: Amanda Stewart from WRC Recycling ♻️

Another , as we continue revisiting some of our earlier conversations from the Rubbish Talk archive!

This week we're heading back to Episode 3, where Alasdair spoke with Amanda Stewart, SHEQ Manager at WRC Recycling, about her career in the waste sector and her experience working across safety, health, environment and quality.

Whether you missed it the first time or fancy another listen, give this early Rubbish Talk episode a revisit!

🎧 Listen here: https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/2023/02/09/episode-3-amanda-stewart-sheq-manager-at-wrc-recycling/

Have you listened to this episode before? Let us know in the comments!

20/08/2026

♻️ Is Scotland running out of places to put its residual waste?

In Episode 123 of Rubbish Talk, Alasdair takes a deep dive into the growing pressures facing Scotland’s waste sector.

Energy from Waste capacity is tight, landfill outlets are reducing, and smaller waste operators are increasingly finding themselves with fewer options for residual waste.

But this isn’t just a waste industry problem. If legitimate disposal routes become harder to access, costs increase, permit compliance becomes more challenging and the risk of waste crime grows – with the impact ultimately felt across construction, manufacturing, local authorities and the wider economy.

With Scotland’s landfill ban due to take full effect from 1 January 2028, do we have enough capacity – and, more importantly, enough resilience – in the system?

🎧 Listen to Episode 123 Now: https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/2026/08/20/rubbish-talk-episode-123-is-scotland-running-out-of-space-for-residual-waste/

📰 We’ve also taken a closer look at the issue in our latest blog – read it here: https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/2026/08/20/does-scotland-have-enough-capacity-for-its-residual-waste/

💬 Are you already experiencing capacity or disposal issues? We’d really like to hear from operators across the sector. Comment below or email [email protected].

13/08/2026

♻️ Throwback Thursday | Episode 2: Grant Keenan from Keenan Recycling ♻️

Welcome to our very first !

As we take a short break from weekly new episodes, we'll be revisiting some of our favourite conversations from the Rubbish Talk archive.

This week we're going right back to Episode 2, where Alasdair spoke with Grant Keenan about his journey through the waste and resources sector, the challenges facing the industry, and the importance of driving positive change.

Whether you missed it the first time or fancy another listen, it's well worth revisiting.

🎧 Listen here: https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/2023/01/12/sample-post-2/

Have you listened to this episode before? Let us know what your favourite takeaway was in the comments!

12/08/2026

📅 Resources in Scotland Conference – 5 November

The waste and resources sector is changing rapidly, with major challenges around infrastructure, regulation and future capacity.

These are exactly the kinds of issues that will be discussed at this year's Resources in Scotland Conference, organised by RMAS, SESA, REA and CIWM.

If you work in the sector—or simply want to better understand where it's heading—it's an event well worth attending.

Episode 122 explains why these conversations have never been more important.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

10/08/2026

♻️ Waste doesn't stop... so where does it go?

One of the key messages from this week's episode is that waste management is under increasing pressure.

As disposal outlets become more limited, legitimate operators can find themselves struggling with capacity and permit compliance—not because they're acting illegally, but because the system itself is under strain.

There's an important distinction between permit compliance issues and waste criminality and understanding that difference is essential if we're going to support responsible operators while continuing to tackle illegal activity.

Have a listen to Episode 122 and let us know your thoughts.

🎧 Listen now: https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/category/rubbishtalk-podcasts/

Rubbish Talk Episode 122: The Future of Rubbish Talk & The Challenges Facing the Waste Sector Leave a Comment / Rubbish Talk Podcasts / By RubbishTalk 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 bigg...

06/08/2026

🎙️ New Episode | What's Next for Rubbish Talk?

This week, Alasdair is back with another solo episode to share the future plans for Rubbish Talk and discuss why now is one of the most challenging times the waste and resources sector has faced in decades.

From the future of the podcast to growing pressures on waste infrastructure, landfill capacity and Energy from Waste, it's an honest look at where the industry is heading and why public understanding has never been more important.

Thank you to everyone who got in touch after Episode 121!

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts: https://rubbishtalk.co.uk/2026/08/06/rubbish-talk-episode-122-the-future-of-rubbish-talk-the-challenges-facing-the-waste-sector/

06/08/2026

🎙️ A huge thank you!

From our very first episode to now 121 episodes later, Rubbish Talk wouldn't be what it is without our fantastic guests and loyal listeners.

Every conversation has helped educate, inspire and shine a spotlight on the people making a difference across the waste and resources sector.

As we look ahead, we're also looking for people who'd like to get involved. Whether that's helping with ideas, finding guests, supporting behind the scenes or simply sharing episodes with your network, we'd love to hear from you.

📧 Get in touch at [email protected] or send us a message.

Here's to the next 121 episodes!