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
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 92: Vicki Hughes on Wood Recycling, Sector Resilience & Future Skills
Jan 800:49:48Tap to summarizeEpisode 92 kicks off 2026 with a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation as Alasdair is joined by Vicki Hughes, Managing Director of McPhee Associates, Board Member of the Wood Recycling Association (WRA), and Vice President of the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM). With decades of experience across wood recycling, business development, and sector leadership, Vicki brings both strategic insight and practical reality to the discussion. Vicki reflects on her route into the waste sector, beginning with wood recycling at Hadfields and evolving into consultancy work focused on culture, leadership, permitting, and regulatory engagement. A recurring theme is that many successful waste businesses are built on strong technical ideas but struggle without the management structures and communication needed to support long-term growth. Her work now often centres on helping organisations bridge that gap, improving how teams function as much as what they deliver. A major part of the episode explores the role of the Wood Recycling Association and the importance of the Waste Wood Classification system. Vicki explains how the sector worked collaboratively with regulators to demonstrate that most waste wood is non-hazardous, protecting vital outlets such as panel board manufacturing, biomass, and animal bedding. She outlines the grading system (A–D) and why getting classification right underpins both environmental protection and market stability across the UK. The conversation then turns to one of the toughest years the wood recycling sector has faced. A combination of unplanned plant shutdowns, seasonal demand pressures, fires, and infrastructure outages created a perfect storm that left sites struggling to move material and, in some cases, forced wood into landfill. Vicki describes how regulators, particularly SEPA, have worked pragmatically with operators, and how Regulatory Position Statements (RPS) have been used in England to provide temporary relief — while acknowledging the limitations and stress this situation has placed on the entire system. Looking ahead, Vicki shares her enthusiasm for her upcoming role as CIWM President, with a focus on sector attractiveness. She argues that waste and resource management is still too inward-looking and needs to better communicate its diversity of roles, from engineering and chemistry to data, design, and communications. Central to this is changing language, opening doors to early-career professionals, and making the sector visible to those who would never naturally consider “waste” as a career path.The episode closes on a hopeful note, with a call to embed circular economy and sustainability thinking much earlier in education. Vicki shares a powerful reflection on how early learning shapes lifelong behaviour and believes engaging children with environmental responsibility could transform both society and the future workforce. Her final advice is simple but resonant: volunteer, say yes to opportunities, and don’t underestimate how skills gained today can shape careers decades later.Useful Links 🔗Vicki Hughes LinkedIn ProfileWood Recyclers Association (WRA) | Wood RecylingWRA Grades of Waste Wood April 25Vicki is collecting stories on how people found a career in waste and why they stayed.To take part, email hello@sizzle.org.uk with “LOVE IT” as the subject.
Transcribe →Episode 91: Rubbish Talk 2025 Quiz
Jan 100:18:23Tap to summarizeWe kicked off the new year with something a little different — the Rubbish Talk 2025 Quiz. Instead of our usual deep dives, Alasdair and Jane handed the reins to Mia, the podcast’s producer and marketing coordinator, who put together a multiple-choice quiz looking back over a busy year of episodes, guests, and stats.The quiz tested memories of some standout guests from 2025, as well as questions on listener numbers, global reach, and which episodes proved most popular — with a few surprises along the way.Friendly rivalry quickly took over as Jane and Alasdair battled it out question by question, debating everything from cows’ teeth to recycling in the Falkland Islands. Despite some confident guesses (and a few wrong turns), it turned into a close contest right to the very end.It’s a fun, relaxed episode that celebrates the conversations, people, and listeners that made 2025 such a strong year for the podcast. If you’ve dipped in and out of episodes — or just fancy a lighter listen — this one’s for you. Now’s the perfect time to go back and catch up on any Rubbish Talk episodes from 2025 you might have missed.As always, a huge thank you to everyone who tuned in, shared an episode, or got in touch over the year. Here’s to even more rubbish talk in 2026!
Transcribe →Episode 52: Sarah Cartmill, Community Liaison Manager at MVV Environment
Dec 19, 202401:06:16Tap to summarizeIn Episode 52, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Cartmill, Community Liaison Manager at MVV Environment, Dundee’s Energy from Waste facility. With three years of experience in the waste industry, Sarah is dedicated to educating and inspiring others to reduce, reuse, and recycle. As Community Liaison Manager, she leads innovative initiatives to promote recycling and sustainability. Be sure to tune in to this episode of Rubbish Talk to hear about Sarah’s journey, her valuable insights into waste management, and the passion that motivates her to work toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Transcribe →Episode 51: Simon Rutledge, Sustainability and External Affairs Manager at Biffa Waste Services
Dec 5, 202401:08:28Tap to summarizeTune into Episode 51 as we chat with Simon Rutledge, Sustainability and External Affairs Manager at Biffa Waste Services. Simon brings over 30 years of experience to the conversation, offering a unique perspective on the evolving world of waste management. From his early days as a site chemist to his current role influencing policy and sustainability strategies, Simon’s journey is one of passion, adaptability, and dedication to the circular economy.
Transcribe →Rubbish Talk Special: Early Careers Session at the Resourcing Scotland Conference
Nov 28, 202400:43:16Tap to summarizeJoin early-career professionals, students, and industry leaders for this special episode of Rubbish Talk, recorded live at the Resourcing Scotland Conference. Featuring Alasdair Meldrum (Albion Environmental), Sheila Best (SLR Consulting & CIWM Scotland), and Claire Shipp (REA), the session explores career advice, challenges, and opportunities in waste management. With lively Q&As, polls, and discussions, discover how young professionals can shape the sector's sustainable future.
Transcribe →Episode 50: Rubbish Talk Milestone – A Conversation with Alasdair Meldrum
Nov 21, 202400:49:52Tap to summarizeCelebrate 50 episodes of Rubbish Talk! For this special episode, we’ve shaken things up, co-host Jane Bond will be interviewing host Alasdair Meldrum about the podcast’s journey, standout guests, and future goals. With a special intro from listener and past guest Jim Brown (Ep. 9), this milestone episode dives into surprising lessons, memorable moments, and Alasdair’s vision for waste management’s future—with plenty of laughs and insights along the way!
Transcribe →Rubbish Talk Special: Resourcing Scotland Conference Introduction
Nov 14, 202400:15:03Tap to summarizeJoin us for a deep dive into Scotland's waste management landscape, as presented by Alasdair Meldrum at the Resource in Scotland Conference on November 14th. This session explores Scotland’s waste production, recycling metrics, and opportunities for improvement within the industry. For more insights, watch the full presentation with slides on our YouTube channel .
Transcribe →Episode 49: Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure at East Lothian Council
Nov 7, 202401:16:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Rubbish Talk, we sit down with Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure at East Lothian Council, to explore his 34-year journey in public service. Starting unexpectedly in waste management, Tom now oversees essential services like transport, waste, and roads in one of Scotland’s fastest-growing regions—all while managing tight budgets. Tom shares insights into East Lothian’s proactive waste strategies, including how recycling generates revenue, and encourages listeners to appreciate the vital role of public services in their communities. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on leadership, resilience, and the future of infrastructure.
Transcribe →Episode 48: Jennifer Carfrae, Senior SRUC Lecturer
Oct 24, 202401:25:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Rubbish Talk Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Carfrae, Programme Director for the Masters in Soils and Sustainability at SRUC and the University of Edinburgh. Jennifer shares her fascinating journey from zoology to soil science, her passion for waste management, and how she prepares the next generation of sustainability experts. We discuss her insights into recycling behaviours, global waste management policies, and the challenges of moving industries toward a circular economy. Plus, hear her thoughts on using AI in education. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!
Transcribe →Episode 47: James Piper, Non-Executive Director at Ecosurety
Oct 10, 202401:29:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we chat with James Piper about his journey in sustainable waste management, exploring the challenges, innovations, and future of the industry. Tune in to hear his insights on transforming waste into resources, the role of technology in recycling, and the importance of engaging communities in environmental efforts!
Transcribe →