Welcome to Episode 55 of Rubbish Talk! In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Tim Walker, a leading figure in environmental services with decades of experience in waste management. Currently serving as the Acting Chief Executive of ARC21, Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and insights from his long career in the sector.
He also serves as the President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and is a Visiting Research Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, where he focuses on the Circular Economy.
In this episode, we dive into Tim’s extensive background in waste management, his views on the circular economy, and his thoughts on the future of the waste sector. We also explore his personal journey, from his early days in the industry to his current leadership role.
Tim never planned to enter the waste management field. In fact, he started out in a completely different direction, working with hazardous waste from the pharmaceutical industry in Dublin during the late ’80s and early ’90s. After a few unexpected twists, he found his way into municipal waste management, where he has remained ever since. He reflects on how none of his academic qualifications prepared him for the field, but his passion for the environment and the tangible nature of waste management kept him engaged.
In his current role at ARC21, Tim is focused on ensuring the effective management of contracts for waste collection and recycling across Northern Ireland. The organisation currently oversees 60% of the region’s waste, and Tim’s work is crucial in shaping the future of waste services for the local councils.
He’s also deeply involved in the ongoing discussions around the Circular Economy. In his role as the President of CIWM, he’s challenged the sector to think about design—could better design reduce waste at the source, rather than relying on recycling? Tim believes this is a critical issue that needs more attention in the years ahead.
For those interested in entering the waste management sector, Tim has some valuable advice: “This is a sector where you can truly make a difference.” The industry offers a range of career opportunities, from hands-on work to roles in policy, legal, academic, and technical fields. With the growing importance of climate change and circular economy initiatives, the waste sector is set to expand dramatically in the coming years. Tim predicts that by 2030, the sector will need hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, making it an exciting and dynamic field for anyone starting out.
As Tim’s presidency of CIWM nears its end, he is focused on advocating for changes to the way materials are designed and used. He challenges the industry to move beyond recycling targets and think more critically about how materials are produced in the first place, ensuring that they are easier to reuse and recycle. While Tim sees progress, he acknowledges that the journey is ongoing—and there’s still much work to be done.
Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation with Tim Walker, as we discuss the intersection of policy, waste management, and the future of the circular economy. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, Tim’s insights are sure to inspire and challenge your perspective on the waste sector.
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Environmental News Updates 🌍
Irish Government Commits to Recycling Investment
The Irish government has announced a major commitment to improving its recycling infrastructure, focusing on enhancing sorting technology and materials recovery facilities (MRF). While the exact financial details are still unclear, the programme aims to lay out a roadmap for investment and reform, setting the stage for future recycling advancements after the November 2024 election. Jane Bond shared her thoughts on the news, noting that any investment in sorting technology is a positive step forward, as it could lead to more materials being successfully extracted from the waste stream for recycling. Alasdair agreed, emphasising that such investments in infrastructure are bound to have a long-term positive impact, supporting the country’s recycling efforts.
Proposed Changes to Environmental Regulation in Scotland: Public Participation and Fit and Proper Person Test
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has launched a new consultation regarding proposed changes to environmental regulation guidance, focusing on public participation and the fit and proper person test. Alasdair mentioned that while the consultation is part of ongoing reforms related to waste exemptions, licensing, and permits, it’s still important for industry professionals and stakeholders to engage. The consultation period runs until March 30, 2025. Jane Bond urged everyone to prepare their responses and Alasdair added that, while this consultation is just another step in the broader environmental regulations overhaul, it’s crucial to stay informed, especially if the consultation raises any contentious issues. The team plans to follow up and report back if anything notable arises.
PACK UK Officially Launches as EPR Scheme Administrator
The official launch of PACK UK as the scheme administrator for the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging took place on January 21st 2025. Jane Bond highlighted Dr. Margaret Bates’ statement on the critical need for an effective EPR scheme to shift the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers, a message that resonates strongly in the current climate. Alasdair mentioned that councils have already been informed about the substantial funding they will receive, though the challenge remains in spending it wisely. He pointed out the complexity of effectively spending millions while demonstrating the required recycling targets, particularly with materials like plastic films, which present practical difficulties in collection and recycling. Jane and Alasdair agreed that investment in infrastructure, like in Ireland, will be crucial to make this system work efficiently and sustainably.
Norfolk Reuse Shops Generate Over £600,000 in Sales
Norfolk’s recycling centres have seen shoppers spend over £600,000 at their reuse shops, a remarkable achievement for the county’s waste management efforts. Alasdair was particularly impressed by this figure, noting how significant it is for a local scheme. Jane Bond agreed, calling it amazing. Alasdair also reflected on a recent ITV program, Keep It, Chuck It or Cash It In: The Big Clear Out, which aired post-Christmas. He questioned whether such TV programmes are necessary to help people decide whether to keep or recycle their items. Jane pointed out that while people love these shows, there’s a concern that too much of the revenue from reuse shops may end up supporting the operation of recycling centres instead of charity shops, potentially diluting the benefit for charity.
Judge Rejects Man’s Attempt to Recover £598 Million in Bitcoin from Landfill
A judge has dismissed the case of a man attempting to recover a bitcoin hard drive worth £598 million, which he believes is buried in a landfill. Jane Bond recalled the bizarre story, noting that the man had previously tried to sue the council for its recovery. Alasdair shared the latest twist: the man is now claiming the bitcoins are “secure in” the landfill site and is attempting to sell shares in them to investors. While Jane wished him luck with this new venture, Alasdair joked that they would continue to follow this unusual case as it develops.
Phuket Faces Waste Management Crisis Amid Overflowing Landfills
The Thai Island of Phuket is facing a severe waste management crisis, collecting over a thousand tons of waste every day, far surpassing the capacity of its incinerator, which can handle only 900 tons. Alasdair pointed out that the issue could be alleviated by basic waste segregation, particularly separating food waste for composting, which would reduce the load on landfills and keep them from becoming smelly. Jane Bond reflected on Phuket’s fame, recalling the iconic book The Beach by Alex Garland, which features the island as a backdrop for a dark, mysterious tale. Both agreed that while waste management challenges persist, tackling organic waste could be a simple but effective solution for Phuket’s issues.
Controversy Over Wind Turbine Scene in Landman
The TV show Landman has sparked debate after a scene in the episode
“Hell Has a Front Yard” featured a discussion on the environmental impact of wind turbines. Jane Bond explained that the scene caused controversy as a character argued that, despite being labelled renewable, wind turbines are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as oil and concrete, which increase their carbon footprint. Alasdair acknowledged that while oil remains crucial for many things, we do have alternative energy sources like wind and solar to generate electricity without contributing to greenhouse gases. However, he also noted the growing concern about wind farms, particularly how they industrialise previously untouched landscapes. While windfarms make areas more accessible for outdoor activities, Alasdair raised the issue of how much intrusion is acceptable in natural spaces.
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Rubbish Talk Strava: The Challenge Continues
The Rubbish Talk Strava challenge is picking up momentum! This month’s challenge is at least 20 minutes of activity for 20 days. Jane, however, admits the cold and rainy weather is making it a bit harder to get outside. But for those eager to track their progress and join in on the fun, just search for Rubbish Talk on Strava and start logging your activities. And the results from December are in—Alasdair took the victory, beating his brother into second place. Want to see how it’s done? Check out Alasdair’s top 10 running and race adventures on the Rubbish Talk Strava Club!
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2025 Training Courses Available Now!
REHIS – Working with Waste Management Legislation Course
📅 Tuesday 11th – Wednesday 12th February 2025
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📅 Wednesday 26th March 2025
REHIS – Introduction to Waste Management
📅 Thursday 17th April 2025
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