Rubbish Talk Podcasts

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Henrik Webster, CEO of Aspect Labs Ltd, to explore the often-overlooked relationship between the waste sector and insurance — particularly the growing challenges around fires, lithium-ion batteries, and risk management.   Henrik shares his journey into insurance, starting in reinsurance back in 2013 before moving into …

Rubbish Talk Episode 109: Henrik Webster, CEO, Aspect Labs Ltd Read More »

  This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Aaron McIntyre, Managing Director of AWD Environmental Ltd, to dive into the world of hazardous waste, entrepreneurship, and building a business in the waste sector.   Aaron shares his journey into waste, which began in a somewhat unexpected way. Starting out in a science role …

Rubbish Talk Episode 108: Aaron McIntyre, Managing Director, AWD Environmental Ltd Read More »

  This week on Rubbish Talk, we do something long overdue — shining a spotlight on one of our own. Alasdair is joined by Kirstie MacDougall, Office & Training / VQ Administrator at Albion Environmental, to explore the world of waste training, qualifications, and what really goes on behind the scenes.   Kirstie shares her …

Rubbish Talk Episode 107: Kirstie MacDougall, Office & Training VQ Administrator, Albion Environmental Read More »

  This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Henry Mathias, Chair of the Tranent Wombles — a volunteer-led litter picking group set up during lockdown that has gone on to make a huge impact in their local community.   Henry shares how the group began in 2020, when people were looking for safe …

Rubbish Talk Episode 106: Henry Mathias, Tranent Wombles Read More »

  After a run of guest episodes and milestone celebrations, Jane and Alasdair are back together for a packed news round-up — and there’s plenty to get through.   News Roundup Taxpayers to fund clear-up of huge illegal waste dumps Huge illegal waste sites across England — including Kidlington and others — are set to …

Rubbish Talk Episode 105: News Roundup Read More »

  This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns and Social Innovation Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) — a long overdue guest given how often litter and fly-tipping come up on the podcast!   Heather shares her journey into the sector, starting with a background in biology before finding her …

Rubbish Talk Episode 104: Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns & Social Innovation Manager, Keep Scotland Beautiful Read More »

This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is joined by Victoria Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Probe Industries Ltd — a family-run business specialising in odour and dust control across the waste and water sectors.   Victoria shares her journey into the industry, which started unexpectedly when she stepped in to help the family business before …

Rubbish Talk Episode 103: Victoria Taylor, CEO, Probe Industries Ltd Read More »

  After a run of brilliant student episodes and celebrating our 100th milestone, the news has been quietly piling up… so this week, Jane and Alasdair dive into a much-needed news special.   From waste crime and fires to innovation and unexpected news stories, there’s a lot to catch up on — plus, of course, …

Rubbish Talk Episode 102: News Round-Up Read More »

  Last week we explored the early history of waste management in Scotland, from the early 1900s through to the 1970s. In Episode 101, Jane and Alasdair pick up the story from the 1980s onwards, looking at how regulation, technology and policy shaped the modern waste sector we know today.   The 1980s marked a …

Rubbish Talk Episode 101: 100 Years of Waste in Scotland (Part 2) Read More »

  We’ve reached Episode 100 of Rubbish Talk — although technically it’s even more once you include our pilot and special episodes! Across those recordings we’ve had 77 guests, over 100 hours of conversation, and listeners from 73 countries around the world. Thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast along the way.     To mark the milestone, Jane and Alasdair take a step back to explore …

Rubbish Talk Episode 100: 100 Years of Waste in Scotland (Part 1) Read More »