Last year, a study made startling headlines around the world with the claim that the average person carries the equivalent of a plastic teaspoon of microplastics in their brain. But how accurate is that finding, and if it’s questionable, why did the authors present it with such confidence? This week, we explore the challenges scientists face when measuring microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body, and why even peer-reviewed research published in the world’s most respected journals can sometimes get it wrong. Plus, are pumps on things like hand soap rubbish or not, does EPR penalise colour in plastic, and why is Robbie's window full of rubbish?

Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.

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Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website

Timestamps:
Why microplastics are so hard to measure - 1:35
Additions and corrections - 27:45
Rubbish or Not: pumps - 36:22
Rubbish News - 41:06
Does EPR penalise colour in plastic? - 46:20
Residual Rubbish - 53:25

Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL