This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns and Social Innovation Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) — a long overdue guest given how often litter and fly-tipping come up on the podcast!

Heather shares her journey into the sector, starting with a background in biology before finding her way into waste through a short-term project knocking on doors to understand recycling behaviours. Like many in the industry, it wasn’t a planned career path — but one that grew through hands-on experience and curiosity. She reflects on how valuable those early roles were in understanding how councils operate and how people actually behave when it comes to waste.

The conversation explores the role of Keep Scotland Beautiful as a national environmental charity, working across communities to improve local environments — from tackling litter and fly-tipping to supporting climate and biodiversity initiatives. Heather explains how KSB plays a key role in delivering actions under Scotland’s National Litter and Fly-Tipping Strategy, as well as administering the LEAMS (Local Environmental Audit and Management System), which provides long-term data on litter and environmental quality across the country.

A key theme throughout the episode is the gap between monitoring and action. While Scotland has strong data showing that litter is a growing problem, Heather highlights the need to better use that data in real time to target services and drive change. The discussion also touches on practical challenges, particularly around roadside litter, where responsibilities between councils and road operating companies can be unclear — leading to inefficiencies and frustration.

Behaviour change is at the heart of the conversation. Heather emphasises that while infrastructure and services are important, public behaviour remains the biggest challenge. From littering out of car windows to leaving waste beside bins, there is a clear need for stronger education, clearer messaging, and ultimately more effective enforcement. As discussed, if people don’t think they’ll get caught, behaviours are unlikely to change.

The episode also covers some of the wider work KSB is involved in, including the Spring Clean campaign, which engages tens of thousands of volunteers across Scotland each year, and the connection between land-based litter and marine pollution. Heather highlights the importance of linking these issues, showing how litter dropped inland can ultimately end up on beaches and in the sea.

Looking ahead, there is cautious optimism. With upcoming measures like the Deposit Return Scheme, potential charges on single-use items, and extended producer responsibility, there are opportunities to shift behaviour and reduce litter. However, Heather is clear that these changes need to be backed by stronger enforcement and continued public engagement.

To wrap up, Heather shares her advice for anyone looking to enter the sector: take opportunities, try different roles, and don’t be put off by the fact that waste and litter might not seem glamorous — it’s a space where you can make a real impact.

A really insightful episode that highlights both the scale of the litter challenge and the importance of collaboration, behaviour change, and persistence in tackling it.

Useful Links:

Your charity inspiring action for our environment

Spring Clean Scotland | Keep Scotland Beautiful

Roadside litter campaign

Tackling litter and waste | Keep Scotland Beautiful

Our reports and publications | Keep Scotland Beautiful

The National Litter and Flytipping Strategy for Scotland | Keep Scotland Beautiful

Community Litter Hub