News Roundup
Court rejects Biffa’s £51.4m DRS claim
The Court of Session has rejected Biffa’s £51.4 million claim against the Scottish Government over the delayed Deposit Return Scheme, ruling that ministers did not negligently mislead the company. While Biffa had already invested heavily in vehicles and infrastructure, the judgment suggests the company took a commercial risk. Alasdair suspects this may not be the end of the story, with a potential appeal likely.
£400 recycling fines? Completely false
Recent headlines claiming households could be fined £400 under new recycling rules have been labelled misleading. The story relates to long-standing restrictions on incorrect materials (like ceramics in glass bins), not new penalties. Jane and Alasdair agree that clearer communication is needed to explain why recycling changes are happening — not to scare people into compliance.
Food waste collections expand in England
New weekly food waste collections are rolling out across parts of England, with councils highlighting improved bin designs that reduce smells and pests. While Scotland introduced these systems years ago, the hosts note that England is finally catching up — and urge councils to better sell the benefits, from lower disposal costs to renewable energy generation.
What bin collections reveal about inequality
A former bin worker has spoken about stark contrasts between waste collection routes in wealthier and poorer communities — noting that generosity and appreciation were often greater in areas with less money. The story sparked a wider discussion on respect for frontline waste workers and the unseen social side of waste services.
From fishing nets to litter pickers
Jane and Alasdair highlight Waterhaul, a company turning discarded fishing nets into products like litter-picking equipment and sunglasses. It’s a strong example of circular thinking — taking problematic waste and turning it into useful, durable products that councils already buy.
Topic – The Waste Journey of Textiles
This week’s deep dive tackles one of the most complex waste streams of all: textiles. Jane and Alasdair unpack why clothing waste is such a challenge — from fast fashion and online shopping habits to mixed fibres that are difficult (or impossible) to recycle. Around 240,000 tonnes of textiles are imported into Scotland each year, with roughly a third discarded. Despite widespread belief, much of what we call “textile recycling” is actually sorting and baling, with large volumes exported overseas and little clarity on what happens next.
They explore the environmental cost of textiles, which contribute an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, despite making up a relatively small share of household waste by weight. Cotton’s heavy water and pesticide use, synthetic fibres’ reliance on fossil fuels, and microplastic shedding all add to the problem. While reuse via charity shops, resale platforms, and take-back schemes is better than disposal, it doesn’t solve the core issue: overproduction and overconsumption.
There is some progress. The Zero Waste Scotland report highlights textiles as a priority product, with discussions around extended producer responsibility, eco-design, recycled content requirements, and improved sorting infrastructure. New initiatives aim to develop fibre-to-fibre recycling in the UK, but large-scale solutions are still emerging. The key message is clear: real progress will require action from producers and retailers — not just consumers — alongside a rethink of how clothes are designed, sold, and valued.
Rubbish Rant
This week’s rant centres on personal responsibility. Alasdair was triggered by a local post showing two dumped mattresses outside a charity shop, followed by a flood of comments defending the fly-tipper. If someone can organise buying new mattresses, why can’t they make the same effort to dispose of the old ones properly? As ever, the frustration isn’t just the waste itself — it’s the excuses we make for behaviour that everyone knows isn’t acceptable.
Remember WEEE and batteries too — recycle your electricals!
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