Podcast
Rubbish Talk
Hosted by Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd · EN
The Rubbish Talk podcast is brought to you by staff from Albion Environmental, to widen the conversation about managing waste and resources in the UK. Each episode will interview a new guest who plays an important role within the waste and resource management industry. We will discuss everything from career journeys, balancing work and personal life, and generally just talk some rubbish.
Get in touch by emailing hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk
Episodes released Thu. 4pm fortnightly.
LinkedIn: Albion Environmental
Latest industry news: www.industrynews.albion-environmental.co.uk
36episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 116: Stephen Cameron, Managing Director at Change Waste Recycling
3d ago00:46:55Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Stephen Cameron, Managing Director at Change Waste Recycling, to discuss business growth, source-segregated recycling, food waste, and the challenges of getting people to use existing waste systems properly.Stephen shares his journey into the waste sector, which began after the 2008 financial crash when he joined a small waste business on a short-term contract. What started as a temporary opportunity turned into a long-term career, helping grow SWR Newstar from a small unknown company into a major UK waste broker before eventually moving to Change Waste Recycling.The conversation explores the work of Change Waste Recycling, which operates from Edinburgh and Glasgow, employing 77 people and servicing over 3,000 customer sites each month. The business collects materials including food waste, paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and general waste, with a strong focus on keeping materials separate to improve quality and recycling outcomes.Stephen explains how Change Waste Recycling’s model differs from traditional mixed recycling collections. By encouraging customers to separate materials such as fibre, plastics and cans at source, the company can provide cleaner recyclables and help customers better understand what they are producing. He also discusses the practical challenges businesses face, especially in busy city centres where space is limited and waste collections need to work around daily operations.A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of using the systems we already have more effectively. Stephen argues that the UK’s waste and recycling systems are not necessarily broken — but they are often used badly. From food waste still ending up in residual bins to poor segregation in public spaces, the conversation highlights how much could improve if people simply used existing services properly.Food waste is a major focus, with Stephen and Alasdair discussing the huge financial and environmental benefits of separating it correctly. As Stephen explains, the true cost of food waste is not just disposal — it is the cost of buying food in the first place and then throwing it away. For businesses, better segregation can help reveal where waste is being generated and where savings can be made.Stephen also shares honest reflections from his career, including the excitement of growing a business, the lessons learned from difficult contract mobilisations, and why he enjoys working in smaller, agile businesses where decisions can have a visible impact.Looking ahead, he sees waste as a fascinating and secure industry with huge opportunities for young people. Despite growing automation and AI, Stephen believes waste will always need people, innovation and practical problem-solving.A thoughtful and engaging episode covering recycling, business growth, food waste, customer behaviour and why doing the simple things properly could make a huge difference. Useful LinksStephen Cameron | LinkedInChange Waste Recycling | LinkedIn
Transcribe →Episode 115: Anna Willetts, Environmental Criminal Lawyer & Partner at Gunnercooke
1w ago01:06:20Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Dr Anna Willetts, Partner at Gunnercooke, environmental criminal lawyer, and Immediate Past President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).With over 15 years of experience advising businesses on environmental compliance and enforcement, Anna brings a unique combination of legal expertise, a PhD in landfill engineering, and experience as an environmental consultant. This gives her a fascinating perspective on the challenges facing the waste and resource sector today.Anna shares her journey into the industry, from studying landfill engineering and working in consultancy to becoming a specialist environmental lawyer. Along the way, she has worked with businesses across the sector, helping them navigate complex legislation, regulatory investigations and enforcement action.A major focus of the conversation is waste crime and the increasing public attention on large-scale illegal waste sites. Anna discusses the role of regulators, organised crime groups and the wider challenges involved in tackling environmental offending. She reflects on the importance of ensuring enforcement is targeted effectively, while also supporting legitimate operators who are trying to do the right thing.Alasdair and Anna also explore how environmental regulation has evolved over the years, the growing complexity of compliance requirements, and the challenges businesses face in managing duty of care responsibilities across increasingly complicated supply chains. The discussion covers digital waste tracking, battery fires, disposable vapes and the practical realities of balancing environmental protection with day-to-day operations.The episode also touches on Anna’s time as President of CIWM, the importance of collaboration across the sector, and why attracting and supporting the next generation of waste professionals is more important than ever. Throughout the conversation, Anna highlights the critical role the waste industry plays in protecting both the environment and public health.A fascinating and thought-provoking discussion covering waste crime, environmental law, regulation, recycling and the future of resource management.
Transcribe →Episode 114: Vapes, Fires & Waste News Roundup
2w ago00:30:22Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Jane and Alasdair return with another packed news roundup, focusing on one of the waste sector's biggest ongoing challenges: vapes and lithium batteries.They discuss the impact of the disposable vape ban one year on, proposals for a £5 vape deposit scheme, and the worrying rise in fires linked to e-cigarettes despite increased awareness campaigns. The conversation explores why batteries continue to end up in household bins and what more can be done to improve collection and recycling rates.The episode also covers a range of other waste sector stories, including Egypt's famous "Garbage City", the potential cost implications of extending the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to Energy from Waste facilities, progress towards the UK's Deposit Return Scheme, and the latest update on the clean-up of one of Europe's largest illegal waste sites.As always, Jane and Alasdair finish with a rant, returning to the issue of batteries in bins and the ongoing fire risk facing the waste industry.A wide-ranging discussion covering recycling, waste crime, policy developments, sustainability, and the importance of getting batteries and vapes recycled properly.For news links please head the episode on our website.
Transcribe →Episode 113: by Solomon Ede, Senior Enforcement Officer at West Lothian Council
3w ago00:42:46Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Solomon Ede, Senior Enforcement Officer at West Lothian Council and Scottish Executive Representative for LARAC (Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee).Solomon shares his journey into the waste sector, from working in Ghana to helping shape waste and recycling discussions across Scotland. Drawing on experiences from two very different waste management systems, he offers a unique perspective on how attitudes, infrastructure, and policy can influence environmental outcomesThe conversation explores the importance of education, engagement, and behavioural change in improving recycling and reducing environmental crime. Solomon explains why helping people understand the impact of their actions is often more effective than enforcement alone.Alasdair and Solomon also discuss littering, fly-tipping, and the challenges local authorities face when trying to tackle environmental offences. They reflect on the need for stronger support, better collaboration, and more effective systems to help councils deliver meaningful change.One of the most interesting parts of the discussion centres around Solomon's experiences working in both Ghana and the UK. He reflects on how waste management systems have evolved in Ghana over the last two decades, moving from largely informal collection and disposal methods towards more structured services and infrastructure. The comparison highlights both how far the UK has come and the importance of continuing to improve existing systems rather than taking them for granted.The episode also explores the role of empathy in environmental enforcement. Solomon shares how frontline interactions with residents have shaped his approach to the job, explaining why understanding individual circumstances and communicating effectively can often achieve better outcomes than simply issuing penalties. His experiences provide a valuable insight into the human side of waste management and environmental compliance.The discussion also covers the role of LARAC, the importance of local authority voices in policy development, and some of the key challenges facing the sector in the years ahead, including plastics, recycling performance, and public engagement.A thoughtful conversation covering behavioural change, enforcement, recycling, policy, and the future of waste management in Scotland.
Transcribe →Episode 112: Connor Benton & Serena Powell, Go4Greener
May 2800:37:37Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Connor Benton and Serena Powell from Go4Greener, a Derby-based hazardous waste company specialising in everything from commodity recycling and WEEE to hazardous waste treatment and innovative new technologies. The conversation explores the wide range of activities carried out at Go4Greener, including hazardous waste handling, WEEE dismantling, and their exciting new Advetec aerobic digestion system, which is being used to process offensive hygiene waste such as nappies and sanitary products into SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel) as an alternative to fossil fuels.Serena explains her role as both site chemist and site manager, covering everything from hazardous waste testing and classification to operations, health and safety, and customer site visits. She shares how she originally studied chemistry without ever considering the waste sector as a career option, before taking a chance on a hazardous waste role near home — and quickly realising just how varied and interesting the industry could be.Connor, now Technical Director, also entered the sector by accident through an apprenticeship, before becoming fascinated by the complexity and scale of the waste industry. Together, they discuss how waste management offers a huge variety of career paths, combining technical knowledge, operations, logistics, compliance and commercial work all within one industry.One of the main topics of the episode is Go4Greener’s new Advetec XL22 system. The technology uses an aerobic digestion process to treat offensive hygiene waste over a 72-hour period, reducing moisture content and converting the remaining material into SRF suitable for use in cement kilns. Connor explains how the process works, from shredding and adding a biological stimulant through to controlled heating and continuous monitoring of moisture levels and emissions.The pair also discuss the challenges of bringing innovative technology into the waste sector, including the lengthy permitting process and the barriers companies can face when trying to introduce new ideas. Serena reflects on the experience of helping secure the permit for the Advetec plant, while Connor highlights the importance of regulators and industry working together to support innovation rather than automatically saying no to new approaches.The discussion also touches on battery recycling, WEEE dismantling, and the growing concern around lithium batteries and vapes. Connor explains that while Go4Greener can safely collect and store many battery types, there are still limited treatment options within the UK, meaning a significant amount of waste continues to be exported overseas for processing.Both guests reflect on the future of the industry and the importance of education — not just for the public, but also for students and young professionals who may never realise the opportunities available within the waste sector. Serena highlights that waste management was never mentioned during her chemistry degree, despite being an ideal career path for many science graduates looking for something more hands-on and varied.A brilliant episode covering hazardous waste, innovation, recycling technology and careers in the sector — and a great insight into the people and processes helping drive the industry forward.
Transcribe →Episode 111: News Roundup & Deep Dive into PFAS: The Next POPs?
May 2100:35:18Tap to summarizeNews Roundup Simpler Recycling: More Headlines, More Confusion Simpler Recycling continues to generate some questionable headlines, with articles listing items “banned” from recycling — many of which were never recyclable in the first place. Alasdair and Jane question why the messaging is so negative, instead of focusing on education, clearer guidance and the benefits of getting recycling right. Smelly Bins and Food Waste Fears A business has launched a product aimed at tackling bin odours linked to food waste collections. Jane and Alasdair aren’t convinced this is the real issue — if food waste is collected weekly and separated properly, the system should be cleaner and less smelly than leaving food in residual waste. Can You Recycle Empty Crisp Packets? Another recycling debate doing the rounds: crisp packets. It’s a reminder of how much confusion still exists around what can and can’t go in household recycling — and why tools like MyBins are so useful. Perfect timing with South Ayrshire Council residents being given the chance to download for free the new MyBins app, which is now live in South Ayrshire Council. Sustainability at Events: Cups, Bottles and Marathons Paris Marathon has taken a major step by banning single-use plastic bottles and disposable paper cups at on-course aid stations, requiring runners to bring reusable hydration containers. Jane and Alasdair discuss the practical challenge — especially for faster runners — but agree that events need to think much harder about waste, from water stations to t-shirts, medals and catering. Food Waste Campaign in South Ayrshire South Ayrshire Council is running a food waste campaign to encourage residents to use their food waste collections properly. Alasdair notes that participation in Scotland remains low despite services being in place for years — and questions whether councils should also be highlighting the significant savings possible when food waste is removed from residual bins. Topic: PFAS – The Next POPs? This week’s deeper discussion focuses on PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — often called “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly in the environment. The UK Government recently consulted on adding five new Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) into UK law under the assimilated POPs RegulationA major concern for the waste sector is the introduction of stricter UTC limits (Unintentional Trace Contaminant limits), which determine how much of these chemicals can legally remain in products and materials. If limits are exceeded, recycling may become impossible and disposal costs could increase significantly. A key issue is the tension between environmental protection and circular economy goals. While reducing harmful chemicals is clearly positive, stricter POP limits could also push more material towards disposal or incineration, making recycling more difficult and expensive. Ultimately, the big question for the sector is not just banning these chemicals in future products — but how we deal with the millions of tonnes of materials already containing them. Rant of the Week: Who Helps the Waste Sector Deal With This? This week’s rant is focused on the practical reality of new POPs rules. The UK has obligations under the Stockholm Convention, so changes are coming — but once these materials enter the waste stream, operators are often left to manage the consequences with limited support. We’ve already seen how difficult this can be with POPs in upholstered furniture. If PFAS and other POPs are tightened further, the sector needs clear guidance, realistic testing routes, and proper support on how these materials should be handled. Otherwise, the risk is simple: more complexity, more disposal, higher costs — and another major environmental problem landing at the feet of the waste industry.
Transcribe →Episode 110: Tina Jackson, Founder of Comply Digital, Jackson Consultants & the Technically Competent Managers Forum
May 1400:45:59Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Tina Jackson, founder of Comply Digital, Jackson Consultants, and the Technically Competent Managers (TCM) Forum, for a fascinating conversation about compliance, confidence, and building better collaboration across the waste sector. Tina shares how she originally entered the industry through a commercial role in landfill and recycling after working in construction materials sales. Following a redundancy several years later, she unexpectedly found herself setting up her own consultancy business — something she admits was initially terrifying after spending 20 years employed. Five years on, the business has grown significantly, with Tina now supporting operators across the country through consultancy, TCM services and digital compliance systems.A big focus of the episode is the development of Comply Digital, a platform designed to help operators and TCMs manage compliance, site inspections and environmental responsibilities all in one place. Tina explains how the idea originally started as a way to streamline TCM reporting, but quickly evolved into a wider operational tool that gives businesses better visibility across multiple sites — from compliance actions and complaints to monitoring schedules and training records.The conversation also explores the growth of the TCM Forum, which Tina created after recognising a lack of shared knowledge and support within the sector. What started as an informal idea has grown into a network of more than 50 members, bringing together TCMs, environmental managers and operators to discuss legislation changes, consultations and industry challenges. Through the forum, members have even contributed feedback directly into discussions with the Environment Agency on permit and regulatory changes.A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of collaboration and confidence. Tina reflects on how many people in the sector feel isolated or worry they should know everything, when in reality sharing knowledge and asking questions is one of the biggest strengths the industry can have. She also discusses the value of networking, site visits and creating spaces where people can openly discuss challenges without judgement.The discussion naturally turns to some of the wider frustrations within waste management, particularly around inconsistency in regulation and enforcement. Tina and Alasdair both highlight how different interpretations and approaches across sites and regulators can create confusion, while poor enforcement of existing legislation continues to drive waste crime and bad practice.Towards the end of the episode, Tina shares her advice for anyone entering the waste sector: jump in, learn as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As she explains, waste management is far more innovative and complex than many people realise — and once you’re in the industry, it’s very hard to leave.A brilliant conversation covering compliance, collaboration, technology and confidence — and a reminder that the waste sector works best when knowledge is shared, not siloed. Useful Links:Jackson Consultants WebsiteCompli Digital Website
Transcribe →Episode 109: Henrik Webster, CEO, Aspect Labs Ltd
May 700:52:12Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Henrik Webster, CEO of Aspect Labs Ltd, to explore the often-overlooked relationship between the waste sector and insurance — particularly the growing challenges around fires, lithium-ion batteries, and risk management. Henrik shares his journey into insurance, starting in reinsurance back in 2013 before moving into the recycling insurance space. After seeing the challenges operators were facing firsthand, he co-founded his own Managing General Agent (MGA), eventually launching Aspect Labs in 2023. Today, the business specialises in property insurance for higher-risk sectors, including waste and recycling, while also developing its own technology and surveying services.A major focus of the conversation is how the waste sector has changed over the last decade — particularly with the rise of lithium-ion battery fires. Henrik explains how insurers increasingly pulled away from the recycling sector as claims and losses mounted, resulting in fewer providers, rising premiums, and stricter conditions for operators. While he acknowledges the insurance industry hasn’t always handled these changes well, he also highlights the scale of the challenge, with waste fires now seen as a major and ongoing risk.The discussion dives into the realities of insurance policies and why operators should pay closer attention to what they’re actually covered for. Henrik stresses the importance of reading policy wording carefully, understanding exclusions, and engaging with insurers earlier in the renewal process — rather than leaving it until the last minute. He explains that many policies are still based heavily on statistics and assumptions, but building relationships and allowing insurers to properly understand a site can help create more tailored and practical solutions.AI and technology are another big theme throughout the episode. Henrik believes that while regulation and public awareness are important, technology may ultimately provide the biggest breakthroughs in reducing fires — from AI systems capable of detecting lithium-ion batteries and off-gassing, to smarter risk management and monitoring tools. Aspect is already investing heavily in this area, both internally and through its own technology company.The conversation also explores wider business lessons, with Henrik reflecting on entrepreneurship, long-term thinking, and managing “existential risks” — major events like catastrophic fires that could shut down a business entirely. He also discusses emerging challenges for the sector, including solar panels on waste facility roofs, increasingly complex waste streams, and how modern legislation has transformed waste management into a far more technical and higher-risk industry.Towards the end of the episode, Henrik encourages younger people entering either insurance or waste to focus on relationships, communication and understanding the bigger picture. As AI automates more routine work, he believes the ability to collaborate, build trust, and solve problems across industries will become even more valuable.A fascinating episode that offers a rare insight into the insurance side of the waste industry — and highlights just how connected risk, regulation, technology and operations have become in the modern waste sector.Useful Links:Aspect Labs Ltd WebsiteHenrik Webster LinkedIn
Transcribe →Episode 108: Aaron McIntyre, Managing Director, AWD Environmental Ltd
Apr 3000:34:27Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Aaron McIntyre, Managing Director of AWD Environmental Ltd, to dive into the world of hazardous waste, entrepreneurship, and building a business in the waste sector. Aaron shares his journey into waste, which began in a somewhat unexpected way. Starting out in a science role working with chemicals in a lab, he moved into hazardous waste during a period of uncertainty — and quickly realised it was an industry he genuinely enjoyed. From there, he built up extensive experience across transfer stations, treatment facilities, landfill operations and major projects, including decommissioning work and site set-ups, before eventually taking the leap to start his own company.Now nearly three years into running AWD Environmental, Aaron explains how the business has naturally evolved into two key areas: hazardous waste services and consultancy support for other operators. What started as a cautious step into self-employment has grown steadily, supported by industry relationships and a strong technical background.A key focus of the episode is hazardous waste — an area not often covered on the podcast. Aaron breaks down what it actually means in practice, explaining that anything with hazardous properties requires a far more controlled and regulated approach. Unlike general waste, hazardous materials can’t simply be collected and taken away — they require detailed pre-acceptance checks, documentation, and confirmed disposal routes before they even leave site. This can often come as a surprise to customers, particularly when dealing with unknown or poorly labelled materials.Aaron also reflects on his career path, from hands-on technical roles to site management and eventually running his own business. He shares honest insights into the realities of the industry — including learning from mistakes (sometimes the hard way!) and how taking on responsibility for others fundamentally changes your approach to safety.Looking ahead, Aaron is focused on growing the business further, with plans to expand both the operational and consultancy sides. He’s also exploring opportunities around technology and AI, looking at how systems and innovation could improve processes within the waste sector.The episode also touches on wider industry perceptions, with Aaron highlighting the frustration around misinformation — particularly the idea that “nothing gets recycled.” Having worked on sites that do genuinely good work, he emphasises the importance of helping people better understand what the industry can and can’t do, rather than oversimplifying or misrepresenting it.To wrap up, Aaron shares advice for those entering the sector: get involved, ask questions, and understand the “why” behind what you’re doing. Waste is far more complex than it appears, and taking the time to understand the bigger picture can make a huge difference in developing a career.A great episode that combines technical insight, real-world experience and honest reflections on building a business in the waste sector — and a fascinating look into the often unseen world of hazardous waste.
Transcribe →Episode 107: Kirstie MacDougall, Office & Training VQ Administrator, Albion Environmental
Apr 2300:28:00Tap to summarizeThis week on Rubbish Talk, we do something long overdue — shining a spotlight on one of our own. Alasdair is joined by Kirstie MacDougall, Office & Training / VQ Administrator at Albion Environmental, to explore the world of waste training, qualifications, and what really goes on behind the scenes. Kirstie shares her journey into the sector, having joined Albion over seven years ago from a financial compliance background. Like many in waste, it wasn’t a career she initially planned — but the opportunity to make a real impact through training and development quickly drew her in. Her role now spans everything from organising site-based training courses to supporting individuals through qualifications, including the all-important Certificate of Technical Competence (COTC).A big focus of the episode is the launch of Albion’s “Smarter Pathway” — a new approach to helping candidates complete their qualifications. Developed in response to client feedback, the programme breaks learning down into manageable modules, combining short videos, workbooks and ongoing support. As Kirstie explains, many candidates struggle to balance their day-to-day roles with studying, so this new format allows them to learn in smaller chunks, at their own pace, while still building the knowledge needed for formal qualifications.The conversation also reflects on one of Albion’s standout recent projects — delivering Sustainable Resource Management training to Glasgow City Council staff. Working with a diverse group of candidates, from new starters to experienced operatives, the project highlighted both the challenges and the importance of building confidence and recognising the value of frontline roles. As Kirstie notes, one of the most common phrases was “I’m just a binman” — something the training worked hard to challenge, reinforcing the critical role these individuals play in keeping cities running.There’s also an honest look at the realities of training in the waste sector. From candidates who are nervous about returning to a classroom environment, to the practical challenges of fitting learning around busy site operations, Kirstie highlights the importance of flexibility, support and understanding individual needs.Beyond the day job, the episode offers a lighter insight into Kirstie’s life outside work — from strength training – with some seriously impressive weights! To playing in a brass band in the Salvation Army. It’s a reminder that the people behind the waste industry bring a wide range of skills and passions to the table.Looking ahead, the focus is on continuing to grow the Albion Academy, expanding training opportunities, and improving how knowledge is delivered across the sector. Kirstie also shares a simple but important message for anyone considering a career in waste: keep an open mind. The industry is far broader and more complex than many people realise, with huge opportunities to learn and develop.A great episode that lifts the lid on training, qualifications and the people supporting the sector behind the scenes — and a reminder that building knowledge is just as important as managing waste itself. Useful Links:Kirstie MacDougall LinkedInSmarter Pathway to CIWM (WAMITAB) CoTC
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