In Episode 56 of the Rubbish Talk Podcast, we’re joined by Rebecca Henderson, the Head of Programme Delivery at WasteAid, an international NGO based in the UK. With over 15 years of experience in environmental management, Rebecca is dedicated to transforming waste management practices in underdeveloped regions like South Africa, Uganda, and India.
Rebecca leads projects that empower the informal waste sector and entrepreneurs, helping them reclaim waste as a valuable resource. WasteAid’s mission is to build sustainable livelihoods and protect the environment in areas lacking waste management infrastructure. Rebecca highlights that waste should be seen as a resource, not a problem. In Africa alone, the waste sector holds an estimated 8 billion in untapped potential, and WasteAid works to harness this opportunity for social and economic change.
One of Rebecca’s passions is organic waste. She shared her love for composting, from worm farming to fly farming, and how these practices can improve soil health and food security. “In nature, there is no waste,” she says, and teaches communities to reconnect with nature by turning organic waste into a valuable resource. This has led to remarkable improvements, such as increased crop yields and enhanced livelihoods for rural farmers.
Rebecca’s journey into waste management wasn’t planned. After working in the UK, she returned to South Africa, eager to pursue environmental work. She started at Earth Probiotic, where she helped set up organic waste composting programs. This experience opened her eyes to the vast potential of waste as a resource, which led her to her current role at WasteAid.
A highlight of her work at WasteAid was leading a feasibility study in rural South Africa. During this project, Rebecca worked with informal waste pickers and helped create a community-based initiative to reduce open dumping and burning. One of the most memorable moments for Rebecca was when the youth involved in the project used their talents in music and the arts to create a song that communicated environmental messages to the community. The song was produced by the youth themselves, and a music video was created to accompany it. This video remains one of Rebecca’s favourite projects, serving as a reminder of the power of community and how waste can be transformed into an opportunity for personal and social growth.
For young people considering a career in waste management, Rebecca offers this advice: “Don’t just think of waste as the truck that comes to collect it.” The waste value chain is vast, and innovation is key. From product design to recycling, there are endless opportunities for young changemakers to get involved and make a lasting impact.
Rebecca’s work at WasteAid is changing the way we think about waste. In this episode, she provides invaluable insights into how waste can be transformed from a problem into a resource that drives economic and social change.
This episode with Rebecca Henderson is an eye-opener on the immense potential that waste holds—not only for environmental sustainability but also for social and economic change. Her work at WasteAid is helping communities tap into this potential, creating a more circular economy where waste is no longer seen as just a problem, but as a resource that can drive prosperity and improve lives.
Listen to the full episode of Rubbish Talk to learn more about Rebecca’s work and the groundbreaking initiatives led by WasteAid.
Useful Links 🔗
Rebecca Henderson LinkedIn Account
Environmental News Updates 🌍
Digital Waste Tracking Delayed | Davidson Chalmers Stewart
Alasdair and Jane discuss the recent delay in the UK’s digital waste tracking system, which was originally set to launch in April 2025 but has now been pushed back to April 2026. Jane points out how the idea of tracking waste digitally in a modern world should be more feasible, especially when we can track satellites and parcels so easily. Alasdair agrees, acknowledging the forward-thinking concept, but highlights that the practicalities of creating such a system are complex. While both agree it makes sense in principle, they’re eager to see action in this space. “Nice words but let’s get a bit of action,” Jane says, reminding us that though the technology is there, putting it into practice is another challenge entirely.
Proposed Changes to the Environmental Regulation (Scotland) Guidance on Public Participation and Fit and Proper Person Test
Alasdair and Jane dive into the Scottish Government’s consultation on changes to the Environmental Authorisation (Scotland) Regulations 2018, focusing on public participation and who can hold an authorisation. Alasdair points out that SEPA is expanding the criteria for who qualifies as a “fit and proper person,” including criminal records beyond environmental offences. Jane acknowledges the importance of these changes, noting that “there’s a lot to consult on with the new regulations.” Both agree that these changes seem sensible but remain eager to see how they’ll be enforced. As Alasdair remarks, it will be interesting to see how the regulations unfold over time.
Borrow Cup – Hubbub
Jane shares her recent experience in Glasgow, discovering the “Borrow My Cup” initiative, which allows customers to borrow reusable cups from cafes like Costa Coffee and Cafe Nero and return them to participating locations. This program, led by environmental charity Hubbub, aims to reduce single-use plastics in the city. Alasdair is excited about the idea, especially for those who forget their reusable cups while traveling. This scheme offers a practical solution to the growing concern of plastic waste, one cup at a time. For a deeper dive into Hubbub’s work, check out Episode 25 with Alex Robinson, CEO of Hubbub, where we discuss their initiatives and the future of sustainability.
Cumbria and Lincolnshire Chosen as Potential Nuclear Waste Sites
Alasdair and Jane reflect on the ongoing discussions around potential sites for long-term nuclear waste storage in Cumbria and Lincolnshire. Alasdair, recalling discussions from his university days, remarks that after 30 years of talks, the UK is still far from making real progress. “It’s important, but we’re not even bothering to start building it,” he says. Jane agrees, commenting that while the issue has been discussed for decades, it’s time for action. Both express frustration over the slow pace of decision-making, especially when it comes to the critical issue of safely storing nuclear waste for the long term.
Illegal Aberdeenshire Waste Site Prosecution Results in Multiple Penalties
Jane and Alasdair discuss the recent prosecution of an illegal waste site in Aberdeenshire, where controlled waste was kept and burned without the required authorisation. Despite the severity of the offence, Alasdair notes that the penalty of £3,000 seems low for such a breach. “It depends on the scale of what they were doing,” he says. Jane, however, stresses that the larger issue is alack of awareness around waste regulations. “There’s so much lack of knowledge about waste regulations,” she points out, referencing her observations of poor waste segregation in many businesses. Both agree that enforcement and education are key to preventing illegal dumping and ensuring that businesses follow waste management rules.
Goma under the M23: BBC Visits DR Congo City under
Rebel Control
Alasdair brings attention to the ongoing unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in Goma, which is under rebel control. He recalls his own time in the area, working on waste management projects. Alasdair highlights the region’s mineral wealth, particularly coltan, which is crucial for electronics, and suggests that the conflict may be driven by the desire to control these resources. Jane, intrigued by the mineral aspect, adds that the growing demand for electronics is contributing to the mining pressures. Alasdair also shares the region’s environmental challenges, including the looming threat of a volcanic eruption. “If the lava flow hits Lake Kivu, it could release deadly gases, wiping out the population,” he warns. This news brings a sobering look at the intersection of conflict, resource extraction, and environmental risk.
Albion News
Albion Christmas Party (In February)
Despite the festive season being long behind us, Albion held its traditional Christmas party in February! Unfortunately, Jane was unwell and missed the fun, but Alasdair shares the highlights of the day. The evening began with an exciting escape room challenge, where teams worked together to solve puzzles and race against the clock. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner and drinks, rounding off a fantastic time had by all!
UWS Session – Help To Grow
Last week was a busy one for the Albion team as they participated in a training session at the University of West Scotland. Alasdair and Susan passed out the “Help to Grow” program, which focused on improving marketing strategies. He gives a big shout-out to Will and Phil from the university for organising the event!
Alasdair on the “Founder’s Chair” Podcast
Alasdair recently appeared on the “Founder’s Chair” podcast, where he shared valuable insights into the journey of setting up Albion Environmental. For anyone interested in hearing about the challenges and successes of growing the business, the podcast episode is now live. Alasdair promises it’s a great listen for anyone curious about entrepreneurship and the environmental sector!
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