In Episode 51 of Rubbish Talk, we were thrilled to host 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.
Simon’s career at Biffa began in 1993, starting with hands-on environmental monitoring at a landfill site. Today, he oversees sustainability strategies across the UK, working closely with regulators and businesses. Biffa’s transformation from a landfill-focused business to a circular economy pioneer reflects the industry’s broader evolution.
“The business has changed immeasurably since I started, and I love being part of that change,” Simon shared.
While Biffa is widely recognised for its red bin trucks, Simon shed light on the company’s diverse operations. Biffa manages over 230 locations across the UK and employs 11,000 people. Their retail arm redistributes surplus stock through 14 Company Shop stores and 13 Community Shops, supporting underserved communities and embracing sustainability in action.
Simon highlighted Biffa’s efforts in plastics recycling, noting that 80% of UK milk bottles contain at least 30% recycled content from their Redcar facility. This achievement underscores the tangible impact of embracing circular economy practices.
With lots of legislative changes on the horizon, Simon discussed Biffa’s refreshed sustainability strategy, which includes ambitious carbon reduction targets. Biffa has already surpassed its 2025 goal, cutting emissions by more than 30%.
“We need to ramp up recycling and waste avoidance while focusing on policy shifts to drive behavioural change,” he emphasised.
Simon’s advice to young professionals? Stay flexible, keep learning, and embrace change. He credited his career growth to continuous education, including a Master of Law degree, and active involvement in industry organisations like CIWM (Chartered Institution of Waste Management).
Tune in to Episode 51 of Rubbish Talk for an engaging conversation packed with insights, industry stories, and practical advice for anyone passionate about sustainability and waste management.
Environmental News Updates
DEFRA announces paper and cardboard to be collected separately under simpler recycling rules
Alasdair and Jane unpack the UK government’s latest recycling update: by March 2025, workplaces will need to separate paper and cardboard under the “simpler recycling” rules. For households, this means at least four bins—food waste, residual waste, paper/cardboard, and dry mixed recyclables.
Jane praises the clarity in separating materials like paper and cardboard, avoiding contamination with glass or cans. Alasdair reflects on Scotland’s 2012 implementation of similar regulations, pointing out the lag in England’s adoption and the ongoing challenges with enforcement. Both agree that learning from Scotland and Wales could make the process smoother.
Major shake-up to bin collection to end ‘Wild West’ of council recycling
Jane and Alasdair delve into the Daily Mail’s claims of “ten separate collections” under new recycling laws. Alasdair debunks this by highlighting that items like batteries and textiles are special cases, not weekly kerbside collections. Jane points out the inconsistencies in the article, highlighting how the diagrams mistakenly combine separated recyclables.
Both Alasdair & Jane emphasise the importance of clear public messaging, noting that misinformation only fuels confusion about what goes where and hopes for more effective recycling strategies in the UK!
Bin Hub Pilot -Glasgow City Council
Alasdair tells us about his recent trip to Glasgow, where he noticed the new communal recycling bin hubs for tenement properties. These hubs combine recycling and residual waste bins with clear signage, aiming to simplify waste management for residents and improve collection efficiency for workers. Jane notes the health and safety benefits for bin crews who no longer need to navigate challenging backcourt collections.
Both agree the initiative is promising, but its success depends on public buy-in. Alasdair highlights one resident’s dedication to properly sorting waste as an example of community responsibility making a difference.
Wales exits joint UK DRS process
Alasdair and Jane discuss the complexities surrounding the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) as Wales withdraws from the UK-wide process. Instead of one unified system, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland will operate separate schemes. Alasdair questions the logic of this fragmented approach, arguing for a cohesive UK-wide system to streamline recycling and reduce confusion.
Jane calls it “DRS take two,” expressing cautious optimism but emphasising the importance of simplicity and public engagement in ensuring the scheme’s success.
SEPA refuses Scotsman sending 500 bikes to Africa – BBC News
Jane and Alasdair reflect on SEPA’s decision to block the shipment of 500 bikes to Sudan due to concerns over their condition. The bikes, intended to provide vital transport in a war-torn region, were deemed “unfit for purpose.”
Alasdair explains the strict waste management regulations behind the decision but highlights how unused or broken bikes in Sudan would likely still be repurposed into essential items. Jane laments the missed opportunity for aid, with Alasdair speculating that paperwork issues may have compounded the problem.
They conclude with a broader reflection on how regulations can sometimes hinder practical reuse and recycling efforts.
Albion News
Rubbish Talk: Weekly Overload!
Rubbish Talk has been on a roll lately with back-to-back episodes keeping our listeners engaged. From Alasdair’s presentation at the Resourcing Scotland conference to episode 50 celebrations, and even a lively recording from the Early Career’s Session at the Resourcing Scotland Conference!
For those who may have fallen behind, you can catch previous episodes now uploaded on YouTube, complete with audio and visuals for the slides.
Worldwide Reach: 55 Countries and Counting
Listeners from around the world continue to tune in to Rubbish Talk. Recently, Craig Chandler checked in from the Falkland Islands and Chile, adding to the growing tally of 55 countries!
With listeners tuning in from across the globe, we hope that the podcast will continue to grow and reach even more audiences in new and exciting corners of the world.
Rubbish Talk Strava Club: Challenges for Everyone
The Rubbish Talk Strava Club is encouraging the community to stay active, with monthly challenges like the “November 10 and 10 Challenge” (10 minutes of activity for 10 days) and the current “December 15 and 15 Challenge” Alasdair and Mia admitted to a bit of a mix-up, accidentally posting the same challenge twice—double the chance to participate!
Leaderboard updates are now more accurate, covering full activity weeks up to Sunday. Jane, while not quite topping the leaderboard, suggested a “wooden spoon” award for effort, reminding everyone the focus is on participation and fun. Whether you’re running, walking, or cycling, there’s room for everyone to join in and stay active.
Christmas Countdown: Rubbish Talk Edition
The Rubbish Talk advent calendar is in full swing, featuring highlights from previous episodes. Check our Rubbish Talk LinkedIn and Facebook Pages as the countdown to Christmas continues with more surprises and memorable moments from the podcast archives.
We would love feedback from our listeners!
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Upcoming Training Courses!
2 Day REHIS – Working with Waste Management Legislation Course 
Tuesday 10th – Wednesday 11th December 2024
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We have recently introduced a fortnightly video called “Meet the Team Monday” where we interview our staff and to find out their job roles, favourite part about their job, favourite/funny memory and a “which colleague is most likely to…” question to add some humour. Make sure to follow us and check out our videos.
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