Senior Advisor Alec Cooley joins Will Nash for a conversation about what it really takes to improve recycling programs in colleges and universities. Following a survey about Indoor Waste & Diversion at Colleges and Universities across Canada and the U.S., Alec shares what schools are doing to increase participation, reduce contamination, and make recycling easier to understand and follow.

From standardized bins and consistent signage to centralized collection and getting people to physically move their waste, this episode explores how the way a recycling program is designed can influence everyday behavior. Alec also discusses the challenges of implementing these changes, the importance of stakeholder buy-in, and how schools are using evidence to build support for new approaches.

The conversation also looks at the role of education and habit-building, particularly among younger generations, and why creating simple, consistent recycling routines can have an impact that lasts well beyond the classroom.

Because better recycling isn't just about having the right bins — it's about creating systems that make the right behavior easier to repeat.

Find our survey results here: https://www.buschsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Centralized-Survey-Results_Main-Report.pdf

Trees do so much more than provide shade—they clean our air, support wildlife, improve our mental well-being, and help build healthier, more resilient communities.In this episode of Talkin' Trash with Will Nash, Will welcomes back Andee Pelan of Living Green Barrie to discuss why trees are one of nature's greatest climate solutions. From the importance of planting native species and supporting biodiversity to the surprising science behind how trees communicate through underground fungal networks, this conversation explores the many ways trees benefit both people and the planet.In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Why trees are essential for climate action
• The importance of planting native tree species
• How trees support biodiversity and local ecosystems
• The connection between trees and mental well-being
• The science behind the "Wood Wide Web"
• How communities and businesses can get involved in tree planting

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode of Talkin' Trash with Will Nash.

Waste management planner John Watson joins Will Nash for a conversation about the real reason recycling remains so confusing — and it has less to do with waste than it does with people.

With nearly 20 years of experience helping municipalities improve waste programs across Ontario, John shares what he's learned about human behavior, public education, and why even the best-designed systems can fail when residents don't understand them. From award-winning communication campaigns to the role of technology, social media, and signage, this episode explores what actually influences behavior, what messaging falls flat, and why educating the public is far more complicated than it seems.

Because recycling isn't just a waste problem — it's a behavior problem. And understanding that might be the key to finally getting it right.

Waste management professional John Watson joins Will Nash for a conversation unpacking the latest changes to Ontario’s Blue Box system - and why even industry experts are having a bit of an identity crisis.

With nearly 20 years of experience working with municipalities, John breaks down what’s actually changed, why materials like snack wrappers are suddenly acceptable, and why these new rules feel so backwards to people who’ve been doing recycling “right” for years.

From flexible plastics to fibre stream confusion, this episode tackles what residents are overthinking, what they’re still getting wrong, and what you can finally stop stressing about.

Because if the rules have changed, it’s time to rethink what we thought we knew - and maybe give ourselves a break in the process.

Season 2 of Talkin’ Trash with Will Nash dives into what we’re carrying - not just in our bins, but in our minds.

Registered Psychotherapist Julie Lewis of Healing VoicesPsychotherapy joins the conversation to unpack the growing reality of eco-anxiety. With so many of us feeling overwhelmed by climate change and its impacts, this episode explores the fears, thought patterns, and emotional weight behind it all.

From understanding who is most affected to breaking down the psychology behind these feelings, Julie shares practical ways to manage anxiety, build resilience, and move from overwhelm to action. Because while the climate crisis is real, so is our ability to cope, connect, and find hope inthe process.

Season 2 of Talkin’ Trash with Will Nash is officially here!
Alec Cooley returns to break down why recyclables still end up in the trash and how thoughtful bin design, clear signage, and strategic placement can completely change recycling behaviour. From colour-coded systems to deskside mini-bins, this episode explores how smart infrastructure makes doing the right thing easy, intuitive, and second nature.

For more see our Survey Results: Indoor waste and diversion practices of colleges and universities

Will Nash sits down with Alec Cooley, Senior Advisor at Busch Systems, to tackle one of the biggest questions in recycling: does it actually work? With skepticism on the rise - thanks to confusing guidelines, negative headlines, and the occasional system hiccup - many people are left wondering, “Why should I even bother?”

In this episode, Will and Alec break it down: how recycling really works, why your efforts do make a difference, and how to build real confidence in your recycling habits. From understanding the process to validating your personal impact, they share practical tips to keep your “it’s worth it” switchturned on—without drowning you in details.

If you’ve ever thrown something in the bin and thought, “Does this even matter?”—this episode will set your mind at ease, give you the know-how to recycle smarter, and leave you feeling motivated to keep making a difference!

Will Nash sits down with Andee Pelan, Executive Director of Living Green Barrie. We look back at how the organization launched Barrie’s very first plastic recycling program and how it continues to lead today’s climate action initiatives. Living Green has always been about turning challenges into opportunities.

In this conversation, we explore why climate change can feeloverwhelming and how to shift that perspective into positive action. Andee also shares real reasons to stay hopeful about the future of our planet.

If you’ve ever wondered what local climate leadership lookslike and how you can be part of it, this episode will leave you inspired!

Zoe Bystrov returns to Talkin’ Trash to shine a light on the hidden world of microplastics — those tiny plastic particles invading our lakes, our bodies, and our daily lives. As a passionate leader from Youth for Lake Simcoe, Zoe helps Will bust common recycling myths and reveals why there’s way more to it than just the classic 3Rs.

Together, they explore the full 6Rs of recycling — the must-know steps to truly tackle plastic pollution. This episode is packed with straight talk, fresh insights, and practical tips to help you rethink plastic and make a real impact.

Get ready to listen, learn, and level up your eco-game! ♻️🔥

We're excited to welcome back Mackenzie Bradbury, Sustainability and Eco-Impact Coordinator at Busch Systems.

Mackenzie joins us to unpack the world of product carbon footprints: what it means, why it’s important, and how businesses can use it to drive real environmental change. We talk about the benefits of understanding your product’s impact, how to start mapping it out, and where to find the right information to make smarter, more sustainable decisions.

If you're looking to better understand your environmental footprint and take meaningful steps toward greener practices, this conversation is a must-listen.