The Rubbish Talk podcast is brought to you by staff from Albion Environmental, to widen the conversation about managing waste and resources in the UK. Each episode will interview a new guest who plays an important role within the waste and resource management industry. We will discuss everything from career journeys, balancing work and personal life, and generally just talk some rubbish.
Get in touch by emailing hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk
Episodes released Thu. 4pm fortnightly.
LinkedIn: Albion Environmental
Latest industry news: www.industrynews.albion-environmental.co.uk
Publisher
Alasdair Meldrum and Jane Bond from Albion Environmental Ltd
Episode 123: Is Scotland Running Out of Space for Residual Waste?
This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair is back with another solo episode, taking a deep dive into an issue becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: does Scotland have enough accessible capacity to manage its residual waste?
A key starting point is Zero Waste Scotland's recent Energy from Waste Capacity report. It estimates that Scotland could have around 2.37 million tonnes per year of permitted EfW capacity by 2028, but operational capacity is expected to be lower at around 1.96–2.08 million tonnes. Crucially, the report also identifies limited headroom for planned and unexpected shutdowns.
Alasdair argues that capacity on paper is very different from capacity actually available to operators. Existing contracts, location, waste specifications, planned maintenance and unexpected breakdowns can all restrict where residual waste can realistically go.
The pressure isn't limited to EfW. Zero Waste Scotland's 2025 Landfill Capacity Assessment looked ahead to 2036 and made recommendations to address a projected landfill capacity deficit from 2026–27.
Recent developments add to those concerns. Avondale Environmental entered administration in 2025, while Valencia extended landfill closures across its seven UK sites. Meanwhile, an appeal concerning proposals to increase landfill capacity at Greenoakhill Quarry remains with the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division.
For smaller waste and skip operators, fewer outlets can quickly become a major operational problem. Even after everything realistically recyclable has been removed, residual material still needs somewhere lawful to go. If those outlets aren't available, waste can begin accumulating on sites, potentially turning a capacity problem into a permit compliance issue.
And this isn't just a waste industry problem. Higher disposal and transport costs ultimately feed through to construction, manufacturing, local authorities, businesses and the public. Alasdair also raises concerns that restricting legitimate outlets could create greater opportunities for illegal disposal.
With Scotland's landfill ban due to take full effect from 1 January 2028, the question isn't simply whether Scotland has enough capacity – it's whether we have enough resilience when facilities close, break down or reach capacity.
💬 We'd particularly like to hear from waste operators. Are you already experiencing capacity or disposal issues? What do you think needs to happen next? Get in touch and share your experiences at hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk.
Useful Links:
Zero Waste Scotland | Energy Waste Capacity Report (https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/energy-waste-capacity-report)
Zero Waste Scotland | Landfill Capacity Assessment Report (https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/landfill-capacity-assessment-report-2025)
Scottish Government | PPA-260-2186 (Planning Permission Appeal) (https://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?ID=128128)
Avondale Environmental Enters Administration (https://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?ID=128128)
Valencia Extends Landfill Closures to all Seven UK Sites (https://www.letsrecycle.com/news/valencia-extends-landfill-closures-to-all-seven-uk-sites/)
Firefighters Spend Second Night Tackling Blaze at Landfill Site (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2r32xp074o)
6 Aug 2026
Episode 122: The Future of Rubbish Talk & The Challenges Facing the Waste Sector
This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair returns with another solo episode to share an update on the future of the podcast and reflect on some of the biggest challenges currently facing the waste and resources sector.
Following the response to Episode 121, Alasdair begins by thanking everyone who has reached out with feedback, guest suggestions and offers of support. He explains that while Rubbish Talk won't be releasing a brand-new episode every week for the next few months, the podcast isn't going anywhere. Alongside a number of new guest interviews already in the pipeline, the team will also be revisiting some of the 121 previous episodes, sharing valuable conversations that many newer listeners may have missed.
The episode also includes some personal reflections from a recent trip to Spain, where Alasdair was struck by the cleanliness of public spaces and beaches. Comparing this with the UK's ongoing litter problem, he asks why people often behave differently abroad and whether investing more in street cleansing and public awareness could help change attitudes at home.
Turning to the industry, Alasdair discusses what he believes is one of the most challenging periods the waste sector has faced in decades. With Energy from Waste facilities offline, landfill capacity becoming increasingly limited and several operators facing significant disruption, he explains how pressure is building across the entire waste management system. He argues that waste continues to flow regardless of the challenges, meaning any disruption to disposal outlets has consequences throughout the supply chain.
The conversation also explores the distinction between genuine waste crime and operators struggling with compliance because of limited disposal capacity. Alasdair believes regulators must continue tackling criminal activity while recognising the pressures facing legitimate businesses operating within an increasingly constrained system. He also calls for a clearer national strategy to ensure sufficient landfill and Energy from Waste capacity is available to provide long-term resilience for the sector.
Finally, Alasdair highlights the upcoming Resources in Scotland Conference on 5 November, encouraging anyone working in the waste and resources sector to attend and take part in discussions around many of the issues covered in this episode.
A thoughtful update on the future of Rubbish Talk and an honest discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the waste sector.
30 Jul 2026
Episode 121: Reflecting On The Rubbish Talk Journey
This week on Rubbish Talk, Alasdair takes to the microphone solo to reflect on the journey of the podcast, from launching in January 2023 with no podcasting experience to producing over 120 episodes packed with insight from across the waste and resources sector.
Looking back, Alasdair discusses why Rubbish Talk was created and the importance of giving a platform to the people driving the industry forward. Over the past three years, the podcast has welcomed everyone from government representatives, students, industry leaders to frontline waste professionals, each sharing their own experiences, challenges and career journeys. Together, these conversations have created a valuable resource for anyone working in, or interested in, the waste and resources sector.
The episode also reflects on some of the biggest issues facing the industry today. Alasdair discusses the need for better public education around recycling, food waste and littering, arguing that improving understanding and encouraging personal responsibility are essential if we are to move towards a more circular economy. He also explores the disconnect between policy and reality, highlighting the importance of honest conversations about what the waste sector can and cannot achieve.
Looking ahead, Alasdair shares his vision for the future of Rubbish Talk. The goal is to reach a wider audience beyond those already working in waste management, helping more people understand the role the sector plays in tackling climate change, reducing waste and protecting valuable resources. He also invites listeners to become part of the journey by sharing episodes, suggesting future guests and topics, or even volunteering to support the podcast behind the scenes.
Above all, Episode 121 is a thank you to everyone who has supported Rubbish Talk over the past three years—our guests, listeners and wider network—and a reminder that while the podcast has come a long way, there's still plenty more to discuss.
Who has been a guest on Rubbish Talk
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Rod Paterson
Louise Robertson
Guy MacGregor
Debbie Horton
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
404
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 69 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
84
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
68
Contact Rubbish Talk
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Rubbish Talk?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
