Merry Christmas from Rubbish Talk! 🎅🎙️ In this festive episode, Alasdair and Jane swap hard-hitting waste debates for something a little more seasonal — practical, realistic tips to help listeners recycle better and reduce waste over the Christmas period. Whether you’re escaping the family for a dog walk or tuning in after the King’s Speech, this episode is all about keeping Christmas joyful and sustainable.
Topic: Recycling Smarter at Christmas
The conversation kicks off with one of Christmas’s biggest items: the tree. Jane explains that real Christmas trees can usually be recycled through council collections, household waste recycling centres, or drop-off points, where they’re chipped and composted. Alasdair adds an interesting example of councils using trees to stabilise sand dunes — a reminder that good intentions still need proper organisation. The pair also debate real versus artificial trees, agreeing that longevity matters most: an artificial tree used for 20+ years can be just as sustainable as buying real ones annually.
Wrapping paper quickly follows, with a strong message to keep things simple. Plain paper that scrunches easily is usually recyclable, while shiny, glittery or foil-lined paper isn’t. Jane shares her mum’s tradition of reusing wrapping paper year after year, while both hosts champion reusable gift bags, boxes, and even magazine pages as low-waste alternatives. Christmas cards get similar treatment — simple cards can be recycled, but anything with glitter, plastic or foil should go in general waste unless reused.
Cardboard boxes are another festive staple, and Alasdair offers a practical bin-tip: flatten cardboard and place it vertically in the bin so it empties properly — something bin crews will definitely appreciate. When it comes to food waste, both hosts stress planning, leftovers, and using food waste caddies. From turkey soup to curries and freezing leftovers, they remind listeners that food waste bins exist for a reason — especially at Christmas, when anaerobic digestion plants see a surge in rich food waste.
The episode also tackles Christmas crackers (not a fan, but tradition wins), glass bottles and jars (yes), broken glassware (no), and fairy lights. Anything with a plug or battery — including lights and toys — should never go in household bins. Jane and Alasdair repeatedly stress safe recycling of electricals and batteries, highlighting fire risks and pointing listeners toward proper take-back schemes and recycling points.
The Rubbish Rant (Festive Edition)
Without turning full Scrooge, Alasdair admits his frustration with Christmas overconsumption — the plastic “tat” that lasts minutes before becoming waste. Both hosts encourage listeners to rethink gifting: re-gifting, donating, selling online, or choosing experiences over things. As Jane puts it, “It’s about knowing your audience.” The episode ends on a warm note, thanking listeners for their support throughout the year and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas — with less waste, fuller bins (the right ones), and a bit more thought behind the wrapping.
Key Christmas Message:
You don’t need to be perfect — just be thoughtful. Reuse what you can, recycle properly, and if you don’t need it… maybe don’t buy it in the first place.
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