After a run of brilliant student episodes and celebratingour 100th milestone, the news has been quietly piling up… so this week, Jane and Alasdair dive into a much-needed news special.

News

Government urges councils to seize and crush fly-tippers’vehicles

With 1.26 million incidents recorded, this feels like a step in the right direction. Jane highlights the huge cost to councils, while Alasdair questions whether stronger enforcement like vehicle seizure might finally make people think twice.

Mother fined £11,500 for binning batteries

A tough one — Jane notes the scale (23 batteries!), while Alasdair points out the rules were clear. It raises the bigger question: how far should enforcement go to change behaviour?

Laughing gas canisters causing explosions at waste sites

Hundreds of explosions a week — both are baffled these are still ending up in bins. Alasdair questions why products are sold without factoring in safe disposal, while Jane compares it to the ongoing battery and vape issue.

Criminals stealing used cooking oil from chip shops

A sign of the times — waste becoming valuable. Jane links it back to rising fuel prices, while Alasdair notes it’s a familiar pattern: materials left out for collection being intercepted before they reach legitimate processors.

Man trains dog to fly-tip rubbish

As bizarre as it is frustrating — both agree it shows the lengths people go to avoid doing the right thing. As the police said: clever, but still wrong.

'Your balloon releases aren’t going to heaven'
A refreshing positive — Jane gives this a “gold star,” while both highlight it as a great example of businesses taking responsibility and saying no for environmental reasons.

Landfill gas used to grow food in giant dome
A great example of circular thinking. Alasdair sees real potential in using waste heat and CO₂ locally, while Jane notes it’s a practical way to turn landfill into something positive.

Plastic wet wipes ban proposed in Scotland
A long time coming. Both highlight the impact on fatbergs and beaches — and agree this is one of those changes that should simply be standard everywhere.

Returnable glass bottles making a comeback
A reminder that reuse isn’t new. Alasdair reflects that we may have gone too far towards recycling, while Jane notes the practicality challenge — but agreesthe principle is strong.

75% of UK waste tyre exports untracked
A worrying statistic. Both point to the need for tighter controls, with comparisons to Australia’s shred-only approach showing there are workable alternatives.

Legacy landfill risks under review
A key reminder — landfill hasn’t gone away. Alasdair stresses the importance of long-term management and expertise, while Jane notes its ongoing role when other infrastructure isn’t available.

Coffee grounds could strengthen concrete
Innovation at its best — turning waste into a resource. Both are impressed, though Jane questions the processing cost, while Alasdair highlights reduced reliance on natural materials.

Plastic from the 1960s washing up in Orkney
A stark reminder of plastic’s longevity. Jane is struck by how far it’s travelled, while both reflect on the long-term legacy of today’s waste.

Rant of the Week: “Too Icky” for Food Waste?

This week’s rant is sparked by a news article that foodwaste bins are “too icky” for households.

Jane and Alasdair question how something so essential —reducing emissions, saving costs, and recovering energy — can be dismissed so easily. Food waste collections are a key part of modern waste systems, yet participation is still far from where it needs to be.

The frustration isn’t just with the perception, but with howit’s communicated. The benefits — environmental and financial — aren’t always clearly explained, and without that, it’s no surprise people don’t engage.

The message is simple: Use the system as it’s designed — it works, but only if people actually use it.

Episode 35: Craig Chandler, Health & Safety Waste Consultant