Nasal sprays might look like simple plastic bottles, but are they actually recyclable? We investigate why some carry recycling labels despite containing a metal spring inside the pump mechanism, and reveal why the recycling advice on certain brands may be wrong.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 92 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 30th April 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has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time.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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

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Emily asked what percentage of AA and AAA batteries are actually recycled. The official UK figure suggests around 45% of household batteries are recycled, but the reality is more complicated. We explain why lead-acid batteries dominate the recycling statistics, why this masks the performance of everyday household batteries, and why the true recycling rate for AA and AAA-style batteries may be closer to 14% than 45%.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 91 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 23rd April 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has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time.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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

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We've had loads of questions about plant pots recently, including from Andrea on WhatsApp and John in the Binbox. The good news is that, under Simpler Recycling, councils that collect pots, tubs and trays should now also be collecting most plastic plant pots at the kerbside, with DEFRA confirming they fall into the same category. If your council says yes to pots, tubs and trays but no to plant pots, it's worth challenging. Black plastic pots can still be tricky, but many garden centres and more than 100 B&Q stores currently offer take-back schemes, where the pots are recycled into new products. 

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 91 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 23rd April 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

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Why are cartons now going in the plastic bin? It does seem to contradict our usual rule of thumb for composite packaging, where we say to go with the predominant material. If it looks and feels like cardboard, it normally belongs with the cardboard recycling, even if it has a plastic lining. Cartons are the exception. The Government's guidance now recommends councils collect them with plastic recycling, although not every council has made the switch yet. 

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 89 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 9th April 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

A few weeks ago we talked about glass plug-in air fresheners, which raised another question: what about the plastic bathroom air fresheners? At first glance, you'd think they'd be recyclable, but they're actually a tricky one. The outer shell is hard plastic with a sealed pouch of liquid inside, and the manufacturer says the unit isn't recyclable because it would need to be taken apart. It's a great example of a product that could easily be redesigned as a reusable container with refill pouches instead of being treated as single use.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 89 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 9th April 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

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Ever noticed "Wash, Squash, Separate" on a recycling truck? It might sound like it contradicts our usual advice, but it depends on how your recycling is collected. If your recycling is source-separated at the kerb, squash away, it saves space and won't affect sorting. If it all goes into mixed recycling, it's usually better to leave bottles and cans intact because recycling centres often rely on their shape to sort them. As always, follow your local council's guidance.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 88 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 2nd April 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

Disposable floss picks, these tiny plastic-and-nylon dental tools are turning up on streets across Britain, prompting questions about why they're everywhere and how they should be disposed of. We discuss the rise in flossing, why floss picks are a recycling nightmare, and why reusable or disposable interdental brushes used and binned at home are a much better choice.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 88 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 2nd April 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

A deceptively simple question: what's actually more eco-friendly, paper towels or hand dryers? The answer depends on factors like the type of paper, the electricity source, and, most importantly, how long you use the dryer. High-speed hand dryers generally come out ahead if you're only using them briefly. We also revisit one of the greatest TED Talks ever: Joe Smith's unforgettable four-minute masterclass on drying your hands with a single folded paper towel.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 87 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 26th March 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

Ice packs seem simple, but not all are created equal. This week we compare water-filled packs with biodegradable gel versions, looking at what they're made from, how to dispose of them, and whether "drain safe" really means it's the best option. We also explore why some meal kit companies are switching to water-only packs and what the environmental trade-offs mean in practice.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 87 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 26th March 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF

With Easter just around the corner (when we recorded this), we put some of the UK's biggest Easter eggs to the test to see which delivers the most chocolate for the least packaging. From classic Creme Eggs to the growing trend of smaller eggs, the results were surprisingly clear: bigger isn't better. We reveal which brands came out on top, why two small eggs can beat one large one, and how a giant premium egg ended up being almost half packaging by weight.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 86 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 19th March 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

We would love you to join our community on Discord

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address [email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF