This week on Rubbish Talk, Jane is back, and we’re catching up on the latest waste news before taking a deeper dive into PFAS — the so-called “forever chemicals” that could become one of the next big challenges for the waste and recycling sector.
News Roundup
Simpler Recycling: More Headlines, More Confusion
Simpler Recycling continues to generate some questionable headlines, with articles listing items “banned” from recycling — many of which were never recyclable in the first place. Alasdair and Jane question why the messaging is so negative, instead of focusing on education, clearer guidance and the benefits of getting recycling right.
Smelly Bins and Food Waste Fears
A business has launched a product aimed at tackling bin odours linked to food waste collections. Jane and Alasdair aren’t convinced this is the real issue — if food waste is collected weekly and separated properly, the system should be cleaner and less smelly than leaving food in residual waste.
Can You Recycle Empty Crisp Packets?
Another recycling debate doing the rounds: crisp packets. It’s a reminder of how much confusion still exists around what can and can’t go in household recycling — and why tools like MyBins are so useful. Perfect timing with South Ayrshire Council residents being given the chance to download for free the new MyBins app, which is now live in South Ayrshire Council.
Sustainability at Events: Cups, Bottles and Marathons
Paris Marathon has taken a major step by banning single-use plastic bottles and disposable paper cups at on-course aid stations, requiring runners to bring reusable hydration containers. Jane and Alasdair discuss the practical challenge — especially for faster runners — but agree that events need to think much harder about waste, from water stations to t-shirts, medals and catering.
Food Waste Campaign in South Ayrshire
South Ayrshire Council is running a food waste campaign using letters, bin stickers and bin lorry adverts to encourage residents to use their food waste collections properly. Alasdair notes that participation in Scotland remains low despite services being in place for years — and questions whether councils should also be highlighting the significant savings possible when food waste is removed from residual bins.
Topic: PFAS – The Next POPs?
This week’s deeper discussion focuses on PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — often called “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly in the environment. Used in everything from plastics and textiles to electronics, firefighting foams and industrial equipment, these substances are now facing tighter regulation.
The UK Government recently consulted on adding five new Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) into UK law under the assimilated POPs Regulation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/amendments-to-the-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-regulation-2026
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/persistent-organic-pollutants-pops
A major concern for the waste sector is the introduction of stricter UTC limits (Unintentional Trace Contaminant limits), which determine how much of these chemicals can legally remain in products and materials. If limits are exceeded, recycling may become impossible and disposal costs could increase significantly.
Jane and Alasdair discuss how substances like MCCPs and long-chain PFAS are already embedded in many everyday materials, including PVC, cables, coatings and electronics — meaning they are likely already present in recycled plastics and legacy waste streams. Other chemicals covered in the consultation are linked to automotive, aerospace and industrial equipment, creating long-term challenges for identifying and managing contaminated materials.
A key issue is the tension between environmental protection and circular economy goals. While reducing harmful chemicals is clearly positive, stricter POP limits could also push more material towards disposal or incineration, making recycling more difficult and expensive.
Ultimately, the big question for the sector is not just banning these chemicals in future products — but how we deal with the millions of tonnes of materials already containing them.
Rant of the Week: Who Helps the Waste Sector Deal With This?
This week’s rant is focused on the practical reality of new POPs rules. The UK has obligations under the Stockholm Convention, so changes are coming — but once these materials enter the waste stream, operators are often left to manage the consequences with limited support.
As Alasdair points out, we’ve already seen how difficult this can be with POPs in upholstered furniture. If PFAS and other POPs are tightened further, the sector needs clear guidance, realistic testing routes, and proper support on how these materials should be handled.
Otherwise, the risk is simple: more complexity, more disposal, higher costs — and another major environmental problem landing at the feet of the waste industry.
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