Celebrate 50 episodes of Rubbish Talk! For this special episode, we’ve shaken things up, co-host Jane Bond will be interviewing host Alasdair Meldrum about the podcast’s journey, standout guests, and future goals. With a special intro from listener and past guest Jim Brown (Ep. 9), this milestone episode dives into surprising lessons, memorable moments, and Alasdair’s vision for waste management’s future—with plenty of laughs and insights along the way!

Join us for a deep dive into Scotland's waste management landscape, as presented by Alasdair Meldrum at the Resource in Scotland Conference on November 14th. This session explores Scotland’s waste production, recycling metrics, and opportunities for improvement within the industry.

For more insights, watch the full presentation with slides on our YouTube channel .

In this episode of Rubbish Talk, we sit down with Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure at East Lothian Council, to explore his 34-year journey in public service. Starting unexpectedly in waste management, Tom now oversees essential services like transport, waste, and roads in one of Scotland’s fastest-growing regions—all while managing tight budgets.

Tom shares insights into East Lothian’s proactive waste strategies, including how recycling generates revenue, and encourages listeners to appreciate the vital role of public services in their communities. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on leadership, resilience, and the future of infrastructure.

In this episode of the Rubbish Talk Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Carfrae, Programme Director for the Masters in Soils and Sustainability at SRUC and the University of Edinburgh. Jennifer shares her fascinating journey from zoology to soil science, her passion for waste management, and how she prepares the next generation of sustainability experts. We discuss her insights into recycling behaviours, global waste management policies, and the challenges of moving industries toward a circular economy. Plus, hear her thoughts on using AI in education. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

In this episode, we chat with James Piper about his journey in sustainable waste management, exploring the challenges, innovations, and future of the industry. Tune in to hear his insights on transforming waste into resources, the role of technology in recycling, and the importance of engaging communities in environmental efforts!

In this episode of Rubbish Talk, we chat with John Rennie, Operations Officer at Volker Gruppe, about the world of plastics and polystyrene (EPS) recycling. With over 26 years of experience, John shares his journey from theatre lighting to waste management, highlighting the untapped potential of EPS recovery and its role in a circular economy. Learn how Volker Gruppe is transforming polystyrene waste into insulation and why John believes stronger advocacy and infrastructure are key to the future of plastic recycling.

In this episode, we chat with John Morrison, Waste Strategy Coordinator at South Ayrshire Council. John shares his journey from street cleaner to managing waste operations across the Ayrshire coast, the highs and challenges of his career, and his passion for making a difference in the waste sector. Tune in to hear his thoughts on public littering, career advice, and even one of his punk rock songs from his band SMEEKERED!

In this episode of the Rubbish Talk Podcast, we sit down with Neil Duncan, Chief Operating Officer at Clearwater Ltd., to explore his journey from the railway industry to waste management. Neil shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in the waste sector, the importance of sustainability, and his vision for the future, including the creation of a Waste Academy. Tune in to hear valuable advice for the next generation and learn how Clearwater is redefining waste management practices.