News 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.

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 Regulation

A 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.