This week on Rubbish Talk, Jane and Alasdair catch up on the latest waste sector news, with a particular focus on vapes, batteries and the growing fire risk they continue to pose. From recycling challenges and proposed deposit schemes to illegal waste sites, DRS developments and even a trip to Egypt’s famous “Garbage City”, there’s plenty to discuss.
Vapes, Batteries & Fires
One year on: Vape ban cuts waste, but millions still evade recycling
A year after the disposable vape ban, there are signs that fewer vapes are entering the waste stream, but millions are still not being recycled correctly. Jane and Alasdair discuss how the ban appears to be having some positive effects but highlight that the fundamental challenge remains: people still don’t know where or how to recycle vapes.
Put a £5 deposit on vapes to stop fires, say waste companies
The pair discuss proposals for a £5 refundable deposit on vapes to encourage returns and reduce the number ending up in household bins. Alasdair argues that anything which increases collection rates is worth considering, especially given the ongoing fire risk posed by lithium batteries.
38 UK fires involving e-cigarettes were around a third higher in 2025 than in 2024
Despite the disposable vape ban, fire incidents linked to e-cigarettes continue to rise. This reinforces one of Rubbish Talk’s recurring messages: batteries should never be placed in residual waste bins. Jane and Alasdair reflect on how much work still needs to be done to improve public awareness and collection infrastructure.
News Roundup
Egypt’s “Garbage City”
A fascinating discussion on Cairo’s famous “Garbage City”, where entire communities have historically made their living sorting and recycling waste. While the recycling rates achieved are impressive, Jane and Alasdair note the stark contrast between informal waste management systems and the regulated systems we are used to in the UK.
ZWS publishes report on extending the UK ETS to Energy from Waste
Zero Waste Scotland has published a report examining the likely financial impact on Scottish local authorities if Energy from Waste facilities are brought into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. The discussion focuses on who ultimately pays these additional costs and whether they will encourage greater waste prevention and recycling.
UK DRS return handling fee set for 2027 launch
The Deposit Return Scheme continues to move forward, with return handling fees now confirmed for retailers. Jane and Alasdair discuss what this means for businesses preparing for the scheme’s introduction and the importance of ensuring collection systems are practical and efficient.
Clean-up of one of Europe’s largest illegal dumps could begin in 2028
One of the largest illegal dumps in Europe is Mobuoy dump at Campsie in County Londonderry, discovered in 2013.
The latest update suggests clean-up work may not begin until 2028. The discussion turns to the enormous cost of dealing with large-scale waste crime and the frustration that these sites can remain unresolved for years while local communities continue to live with the consequences.
Rubbish Rant of the Week
This week’s rant returns to a familiar theme: batteries in bins.
Despite years of awareness campaigns, increasing numbers of fires and countless warnings from the waste industry, batteries and vapes continue to find their way into residual waste and recycling collections.
For Jane and Alasdair, the solution isn’t complicated. Better collection systems, clearer messaging, and perhaps financial incentives such as deposits could all help. But until behaviour changes, waste operators, councils and firefighters will continue dealing with the consequences.
As always: if it has a battery, don’t bin it. Recycle it properly.
We’re on YouTube! 
Prefer to watch rather than listen? Don’t forget that Rubbish Talk is also on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel to catch episodes, highlights, and exclusive video content.
We would love feedback from our listeners! 
We are always eager for guest suggestions, general feedback as well as spreading the word about Rubbish Talk to friends, family, colleagues and others to help us reach a wider audience.
Help us spread the word about the Rubbish Talk Podcast! 
Your support helps us reach a wider audience and continue to provide valuable content on waste management and sustainability.
Additionally, if you have any guest suggestions or topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes, we’d love to hear from you!
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your ideas and recommendations. Together, let’s make a positive impact in the waste management community. Thank you for your support!