Secure your place at this year's Resource Conference Cymru - https://shorturl.at/dBMSC

In this episode of Beyond Waste, host Lee Marshall (CIWM) is joined by Robbie Staniforth (Ecosurety) and Simon Rutledge (Biffa) to dive into the launch of Defra’s Circular Economy Taskforce.

What does this bold initiative mean for the UK's resource and waste sectors? And how can it drive tangible progress in circular economy strategies?

Tune in as these expert voices discuss the taskforce's priorities, the critical role of resources and waste in a circular economy, and what’s needed to transform ambition into action.

From actionable policies to long-term strategies, this is your guide to understanding how the taskforce could reshape the future.

In this special episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, we dive into the global momentum behind Circular Cities Week (CCW) and explore how cities around the world are embracing the circular economy revolution.

Join our expert panel as they share insights from events held in four dynamic cities:

• London & Brighton & Hove with Dr. David Greenfield (CIWM/CEI & CEC)

• Hong Kong with Harry Li (Asia Circular Economy Association / CEC Hong Kong)

• Boston with Eric Sargent (MBA Sustainability Candidate / CEC Boston)

Our guests discuss:

• The events they hosted and key highlights from their respective regions

• The current phase of circular economy implementation within their cities

• Lessons learned, successes celebrated, and challenges faced during Circular Cities Week

Discover what it takes to ensure no city is left behind in the circular economy revolution and gain practical insights into creating more sustainable urban environments.

Whether you’re a city planner, policymaker, or a sustainability enthusiast, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

In this compelling episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, we sit down with the newly appointed CIWM President, Tim Walker.

Join us as we delve into Tim's insightful background and career journey, exploring his current role and the experiences that have shaped his leadership in the waste management industry.

Discover the vision behind his presidential theme and report, and learn why he chose this particular focus to steer the CIWM through the coming year.

Tim also shares his aspirations for his presidential term, outlining the key initiatives and changes he hopes to implement to drive progress in sustainable waste management.

Don't miss this insightful discussion with one of the industry's leading figures!

In this special episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, we bid farewell to CIWM President Dan Cooke as he reflects on a transformative year at the helm.

Join us as Dan recaps the highlights of his presidential report, celebrating key milestones from his tenure. From groundbreaking initiatives to celebrating CIWM's 125th anniversary, Dan shares his successes and challenges.

We'll delve into the innovative Circular Economy Innovation Fund and discuss Dan’s optimistic vision for the future of the sector.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that looks back on a year of progress and forward to a future of continued innovation and sustainability.

Join us in this enlightening episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast as we delve into the transformative potential of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) with Dr. Stephen Wise from Advetec.

Drawing insights from Advetec's pivotal whitepaper, "SRF and the Path to a Circular Economy," we explore the intricacies of current waste management infrastructures and their evolution towards sustainability.

Discover how emerging technologies are paving the way for innovative waste stream solutions, and learn about the pivotal role we play in supplying materials and solutions for a circular economy. Dr. Wise sheds light on the critical steps necessary for advancing consumer behaviour and cultural perspectives towards a more sustainable future.

Tune in to understand the opportunities and challenges in achieving a circular economy and how SRF can be a key driver in this crucial transition. Don't miss this deep dive into the future of waste management and sustainability! Download the whitepaper here.

As the UK gears up for a pivotal general election, the Beyond Waste Podcast dives into the environmental stakes at play. Tune in to understand how your vote can impact the future of the planet in this crucial election.

In part 2 of this general election special, we'll be diving into the legal and political perspectives, speaking to Dr Anna Willetts, Partner at gunnercooke and Environmental Criminal Lawyer, as well as Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and the party's spokesperson for energy and climate change, Wera Hobhouse.

To find out more about CIWM's training offering, visit our website here. 

As the UK gears up for a pivotal general election, the Beyond Waste Podcast dives into the environmental stakes at play.

This episode explores the critical role the incoming government could play in bolstering the resources and waste sector. We'll dissect current policies that are making strides towards sustainability targets, including recycling initiatives and the pursuit of net-zero emissions.

Our expert guests, Suez'a Adam Read and Stuff4Life's John Twitchen, will discuss what policy shifts are necessary to drive further sustainability opportunities and how political platforms align with environmental aspirations.

Tune in to understand how your vote can impact the future of the planet in this crucial election.

In this episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, we wrap up the Resource Conference Cymru with a detailed examination of the event's highlights and transformative ideas.

Delving into the comprehensive agenda, we concentrate on the most impactful discussions from each session, offering an in-depth exploration of the compelling case studies presented.

Join us as we take a closer look at Dr. Nick Morgan's insights on circular towns through his pioneering research project and Jon Howes' inspiring account of Cardiff Cycle Workshop's dual mission of recycling and skills training.

As Wales strides towards a sustainable future, we dissect its current position and the forthcoming strides in the circular economy.

Tune in to understand how Wales is redefining the meaning of waste and resource management, one innovative step at a time.

Join us on the latest episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast by CIWM, where we delve into the transformative journey of the waste management sector over the past two decades.

Discover how the infrastructure within the industry has evolved, what pivotal policies and events catalysed significant changes, and how these developments are reshaping our approach to waste.

We'll explore the crucial shift from viewing waste as an end product to recognising it as a valuable resource, highlighting the growing momentum towards a circular economy. Learn about the recent policy shifts that are steering this transformation and the impactful role of taxation in driving sustainable practices.

Following a sold out 2023 event, Resource Conference Cymru returns to Sophia Gardens for our unmissable 2024 conference, where we'll be exploring how the resources and waste sector can deliver the infrastructure for a circular Wales. Learn more and book your place, here: https://shorturl.at/knrzN

In this insightful episode of the Beyond Waste podcast, we delve into the pivotal developments and outcomes of COP28, with a special focus on the ISWA Waste Pavilion. 

Join us as we explore the first six months of Dan's tenure as CIWM President, gaining unique insights into his experiences and initiatives. 

We'll dissect his Presidential Report, shedding light on its objectives and impact within the waste management sector.

Our discussion also navigates through the key policy developments of 2023, including an in-depth analysis of the NIC Report and the findings of the PAC report. 

As we gaze into the horizon, we'll discuss Dan's presidential aspirations and anticipate the policy shifts that the waste management sector can expect in the upcoming year. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the evolving landscape of waste management and its implications for the future.

Join us on the next episode of Beyond Waste podcast as we take a journey through the year, examining the evolving landscape of policy.

From the persistent challenges of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) to the pursuit of Consistency in our efforts, we delve deep into topics like Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

But that's not all! We also explore the changing tides in leadership, with a new Environment Secretary bringing a fresh perspective. Is there still hope for progress as we reflect on where we were five years ago? Can the new Minister seize the opportunity to steer us in the right direction?

Join us on the Beyond Waste podcast as we delve into Scotland's pioneering journey towards a circular economy. 

In this episode, we welcome Fleur Ruckley and Dr Michael Groves from Topolytics, alongside Barry O'Kane of HappyPorch, to explore the vibrant intersection of technology and sustainability within Scotland's circular economy. 

Discover how Scotland not only champions this innovative economic model with a dedicated minister but also nurtures a flourishing start-up scene, leveraging Scottish Enterprise funding and harnessing ideas straight from the nation's universities and businesses. 

We'll discuss the strategic move beyond traditional recycling paradigms, highlight exciting use-cases, and the role of awareness in the growth of this sector. 

Ahead of this year's Festival of Circular Economy, we'll also reflect on the overlapping themes of material fate and the breadth of possibilities that lie ahead.

In this year-end wrap-up episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, host Lee Marshall is joined by Charlotte Davies, CIWM’s Early Careers President, to reflect on a transformative year in the resource and waste sector.

From major policy developments like EPR, DRS, and the disposable vapes ban, to the impact of a new government and the launch of the Circular Economy Taskforce, we explore the stories that shaped 2024.

Charlotte also shares her journey in the sector, and we look ahead to what’s on the horizon for the early careers team in 2025.

Tune in for insights, reflections, and a forward look at the future of resources and waste.

Join us on the next episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast as we explore the fascinating interplay between history and modern waste management with Dr. Henry Irving. A historian at Leeds Beckett University, Dr. Irving specialises in the history of waste management and is currently penning a book on recycling during WWII. 

He is also the recipient of a British Academy Innovation Fellowship in partnership with WRAP, aiming to leverage historical insights for the betterment of contemporary recycling policies. 

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the evolution of waste management, learn from practices dating back to the Second World War, and discuss how these lessons could transform our approaches today.

In the first episode, we have two special guests: Dan Cooke, CIWM's recently inaugurated President, and Anna Willett's, CIWM's immediate Past President.

Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing valuable insights into the pressing issues surrounding waste management and resource utilisation.

In this special episode of The Beyond Waste podcast, we’re diving into the pressing insights and actionable strategies from the recent Worshipful Company of Water Conservators debate, "Accelerating the Transition to a Circular Economy."

Guest host Adam Reed (SUEZ) joins Allan Barton (Worshipful Company of Water Conservators) and Tim Walker (CIWM) to unpack the challenges and opportunities surrounding circularity on a global scale.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The need to consume less and make products last longer
• Overcoming government and supply chain limitations
• Designers’ critical role in driving change
• Effective ways to engage younger audiences and spread the circular message

Tune in for thought-provoking discussions and fresh perspectives from industry leaders.

Join host Lee Marshall (CIWM) for this insightful episode, produced as part of ReLondon's Circular Economy Week (#CEweek2024). This time, we dive into the concept of circular value chains with an expert panel featuring Dr. David Greenfield (CIWM/CEI/etsaW), Maya de Souza (Circular Economy & Policy Expert), and Bert van Son (Founder of MUD Jeans).

Together, they explore how to define a value chain and examine the critical roles organisations play in making these chains truly circular. The conversation delves into smarter strategies for reducing waste, keeping materials in the system longer, and reaping the economic benefits of a well-functioning circular value chain.

The panel also shares actionable steps to kickstart the journey toward circularity and offers guidance on the essential questions to ask and the connections to build, ensuring that everyone in the chain adopts circular practices.

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of circular value chains and their potential to transform industries!

Episode Stuff:

In this episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, host Lee Marshall is joined by Patrick Mahone from CIWM's Policy & Innovation Forum. Together, they recap the key points of the UK’s Resource & Waste Strategy and delve into the origins of CIWM's 10 policy asks.

Discover how these policy recommendations were shaped by the progress (and challenges) of implementing the strategy and what the future may hold under the new Labour government.

Tune in for a deep dive into the latest developments in waste management and resource policy, and why these new policy asks are more important than ever.

In this episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, host CIWM's Lee Marshall is joined by Steve Bates, Chair of CIWM's Behaviour Change Special Interest Group and Managing Director of Mobius Agency, along with Helen White, Vice Chair of the group and Senior Consultant at Tetra Tech.

Together, they explore the evolution of behaviour change in waste management, from the rise of kerbside recycling in the 2000s to today’s focus on a circular economy.

The discussion delves into the need for policy changes, food waste infrastructure, and the vital role of education and awareness in influencing people’s actions.

The trio will also introduce the newly launched behaviour change hierarchy, grounded in the COM-B framework—examining how capability, opportunity, and motivation shape behaviour and can help build a more sustainable future.

In this episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, host Lee Marshall from CIWM is joined by John Twitchen of Stuff4Life to dive into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its expanding role in waste management.

The discussion kicks off with a focus on batteries, examining the latest findings from CIWM's new report, An EPR for Everything, Starting with Batteries. 

The conversation also broadens to explore the wider landscape of EPR, including the growing need for regulations around mattresses, textiles, packaging plastics, and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).

How do we manage the hidden costs of cheap products and ensure real value in waste processing? And what are the downstream impacts we must consider?

Tune in as we unpack the challenges and opportunities of creating a sustainable, circular economy through smarter EPR systems.

In this episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, sponsored by Romaquip, join us for a crucial discussion on the pivotal role of resource and waste led policies in shaping a sustainable future following the results of the UK’s general election.

Host Lee Marshall from CIWM talks to guests: Jim Bligh of FDF; Cathy Cook representing LARAC; and Alice Rackley from Polytag, as they delve into the urgent need for effective governmental action post-General Election. 

From advocating for the continuation of existing Resource and Waste Strategies to identifying quick policy wins such as EPR, DRS, and ambitious net-zero targets, our panellists offer insights into what's needed to propel circular practices forward. 

Tune in to explore their predictions for the evolution of EPR and DRS policies in the UK and discover the innovative new measures our experts propose for a greener tomorrow. With special thanks to Romaquip for sponsoring this episode.

www.romaquip.com

In this special election episode of the Beyond Waste Podcast, we dive into CIWM's 10 policy asks for the newly elected government.

Join us as Lee Marshall, Tina Benfield, Tim Walker, and Oliver Leuthart from CIWM break down the critical components of their manifesto.

We'll explore what these policies mean from a governmental perspective, their significant impacts on resource management and waste reduction, and how they can help drive us toward a sustainable, resilient future.

Don't miss this in-depth discussion on shaping a world beyond waste.

Plastics are often seen as sustainability’s public enemy number one, blamed for ocean pollution, microplastic contamination, and more. But is the story that simple?

In this episode, we explore the controversial world of plastics—examining their bad reputation, the rise of innovative alternatives, and the often-overlooked benefits of this material.

Join us as we dive into the debate: are plastics truly the villain we think they are, or could they have a place in a sustainable future if used wisely? 

Host: Lee Marshall, CIWM 

Guests:

Tracy Sutton, Root 

Cat Hay, FDF 

In this episode, we dive into CIWM’s report on shaping financial and fiscal policy to support a circular future. From tax reform to targeted investment, we explore the tools policymakers and industry leaders need to drive real change.

Joined by expert voices, we connect the dots between headline ambitions and the practical policies needed to get there — drawing on insights from other key reports and looking ahead to what’s next.

Whether you're in policy, business, or just passionate about building a more sustainable future, this is your guide to the economic roadmap of circularity.

Host: Lee Marshall, CIWM

Guests:

Susan Evans, Resource Futures

Paula Chin, WWF - WWF Fast Phones report

In this special episode, outgoing CIWM President Tim Walker reflects on a pivotal year at the helm.

From launching his presidential report Turning Off the Tap on Materials to representing CIWM at international events and connecting with members across the UK and Ireland, Tim shares key milestones, challenges, and hopes for the future of the sector.

Host: Lee Marshall (CIWM)

Guest: Tim Walker (arc21 & CIWM President)

At the Festival of Circular Economy, host Mark Shayler sits down with Greyparrot Co-Founder Amrish Mitra to explore how cutting-edge AI is reshaping the future of waste.

From teenage tech obsessions to launching ethically-driven companies, Amrish shares the journey that led him to the frontline of resource intelligence.

This episode, sponsored by Greyparrot, dives into how technology can unlock efficiency, transparency, and resilience in the waste and recycling sector—and why that matters more than ever.

Guest Host: Mark Shayler, APE

Guest: Amrish Mitra, Co-founder, Greyparrot Waste Intelligence

Lee Marshall, CIWM (host)

Prof David Greenfield, CIWM/ CEI

In this milestone episode of Beyond Waste, we sit down with Dr. David Greenfield for his first official podcast as President of CIWM. With decades of experience in resources, waste, and circular economy innovation, David shares his ambitions for the year ahead—and why now is the time for bold, joined-up action.

We explore the key themes of his Presidential Report 2025, Lost Opportunities?, which calls for urgent change in how the UK captures value from overlooked materials like wool, lithium, and seafood shells. David outlines the need for cross-sector collaboration, smarter design, and policy alignment to transition from linear systems to a truly circular economy.

If you're passionate about sustainability, circular thinking, or the future of resource management, this conversation is essential listening.

What will the resource and waste sector look like in ten years—and who will lead it? In this episode of the Beyond Waste podcast, host Katie Cockburn, CIWM/CEI, is joined by Bonni Jee, ASPE, and Sarah Langmaid, University of Exeter, to unpack the future of work in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.

From the rise of digitised logistics and data-driven decision-making to the emergence of new compliance and circular economy roles, we explore how the next generation of resource professionals can adapt, innovate, and thrive. Whether you’re already working in the sector or just curious about the careers shaping a sustainable future, this conversation offers practical insights and forward-thinking strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Tune in to discover how the skills of tomorrow are being built today.

In this special Festival of Circular Economy episode, guest host Mark Shayler sits down with Siddharth Hande of Kabadiwalla Connect to explore one of the most overlooked forces in global sustainability—the informal waste supply chain.

From the streets of Chennai to a data-driven map reshaping how waste is collected and processed, Siddharth shares how formalising waste picking isn’t just about better recycling—it’s about transforming livelihoods, empowering communities, and unlocking hidden value in the materials we throw away.

Eye-opening, inspiring, and grounded in real-world impact, this conversation will change how you see waste forever.

In this short but sharp episode of A Quick Waste Conversation, Richard Hudson (CIWM) is joined by Amy Bloom (SUEZ & CIWM Early Careers Team) to unpack the government’s latest announcement on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding for local authorities.

EPR is often described as a “silver bullet” for the challenges of waste and recycling—but is it really that simple? Richard and Amy discuss where the pain points might lie in implementation, whether the funding is enough to support overstretched councils, and what this all means for producers and public attitudes toward waste.

From the pressures on local budgets to the potential for long-term circular solutions, this conversation offers a clear, concise snapshot of what EPR could mean in practice—and why the sector needs to be ready for the changes ahead.

This episode also highlights the work of CIWM’s newly formed Early Careers Presidential Team and Ambassadors. Led by Charlotte Davies, CIWM’s first Early Careers President, the team ensures that the voices of early careers professionals are heard at the highest levels of the institution.

The group’s work includes reverse mentoring CIWM Trustees, representing early careers professionals at strategic meetings, supporting outreach with colleges and universities, and shaping the design of projects and events that reflect the needs of the next generation of resource and waste leaders.

Ambassadors like Amy Bloom (SUEZ), alongside colleagues from FCC, Mott MacDonald, Bristol Waste, WSP, and more, are playing a key role in bridging the gap between early careers professionals and sector leadership. Their energy, insights, and commitment ensure that CIWM remains not only future-focused but also inclusive of the diverse voices shaping the industry today.

Following the recent City Environment Debate, hosted by The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators, this episode of The Beyond Waste podcast features some of the experts that joined the debate to recap, share and further their discussion around sustainable UK cities.

The debates brief: The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators is pleased to announce the second City Environment Debate, which will focus on creating sustainable cities. Our theme is based on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 11: Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

As global divisions intensify and international agreements falter, the path to sustainable consumption has never felt more uncertain. Yet the need for resource recovery, resilient systems, and fair global supply chains is only growing.

In this episode of The Beyond Waste Podcast, guest host Tim Walker (arc21) is joined by Maya de Souza (Materia Verde) and Beth Barker (Aldersgate Group) to tackle one of the most contentious questions of our time: Is a world built on sustainable consumption truly possible—or just a well-meaning illusion?

Together, they unpack the realities of SDG 12 in 2025, the stubborn chokehold of the linear economy, and what happens when global treaties stall or collapse. The conversation takes us from the shifting economic power of the Global South to the geopolitical risks of restricting consumption in nations whose economies rely on it.

Expect a candid exploration of:

• Whether resource efficiency, waste reduction, policy action or lifestyle change is the real key to rapid impact

• How to break free from the linear model dominating global economies

• The fallout from failed international agreements—like the stalled UN Global Plastics Treaty

• Building credible, just, and sustainable global supply chains

• Why “sustainable consumption” sounds simple but is maddeningly complex in practice

• Growing consumption in the Global South—and how to avoid replicating Western overconsumption

• Why some nations view consumption restrictions as existential threats

Join us for a thought-provoking, solutions-focused conversation on what it really takes to build resilient systems—and whether sustainable consumption can ever move from ambition to reality.

What does circular economy progress look like when it starts at community level?

In this episode of Beyond Waste, host Richard Hudson (CIWM) is joined by voices from across the Dennakuwo partnership to reflect on three years of collaboration in The Gambia.

Drawing on the newly released WasteAid–CIWM impact report, the conversation explores how skills, confidence, and local leadership can transform resource and waste management from the ground up.

From setting the wider context of waste, sanitation and circularity in The Gambia, to supporting green enterprises, behaviour change and local authority engagement, this episode offers a grounded look at how sustainable change happens when communities are empowered to lead it themselves.

Richard Hudson, CIWM (host) 

Ceris Turner-Bailes, WasteAid 

Lamin Sanyang, WasteAid

Ndey Awa Ceesay, Dennakuwo Secretary General 

Alfusainey Sey, NAACO Enterprise

2025 was a year of big promises, policy pivots, and growing pressure across waste, resources, and the circular economy. In this special year-in-review episode of Beyond Waste, guest host David Greenfield (President, CIWM & Vice President, CEI) is joined by Charlotte Davies (CIWM Early Careers Team President) to unpack what really mattered.

From simpler recycling reforms and waste crime hitting the headlines, to AI, tracking tech, and the struggle to make circular economy language land with people, they explore the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons of the year. The conversation also looks ahead to 2026—new regulations, digital waste tracking, major events like ISWA in London, and how the sector can become more attractive, accessible, and impactful.

If you want a clear-eyed view of where the sector’s been—and where it’s heading—this is the episode to catch up.

Planetary boundaries are under pressure. Legislation is tightening. And 2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal year for the UK’s resource and waste sector.

In this episode, CIWM’s policy, innovation and technical leaders — Dan Cook, Tina Benfield and Richard Hudson — unpack what the next phase of transition really looks like. From Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), from Simpler Recycling to Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), the sector is navigating overlapping reforms that must work together — or risk stalling progress.

The conversation explores why cross-department policy integration is critical, how resource resilience is becoming a national priority amid global volatility, and whether England risks falling behind without a clear resource sector strategy to replace its now outdated 2018 roadmap.

The team also discuss:

• The circular economy growth plan and route maps

• Moving up the waste hierarchy — reuse and repair as economic strategy

• What’s next for EPR, including expanding material streams

• Skills shortages and why workforce development may be the missing piece

• CIWM’s 10 recommendations — and why we “must not waste the next four years”

This isn’t just another policy update. It’s a strategic look at whether the UK can align regulation, infrastructure and skills quickly enough to build genuine resource resilience — and turn ambition into delivery.

If you work in resources, waste, environmental policy or the circular economy, this is essential listening.

Wales has secured UK government approval to include glass in its Deposit Return Scheme – a move that sets it apart from England and Northern Ireland and raises major questions about the future of UK-wide resource policy.

In this episode of Beyond Waste, we speak to John Twitchen of Stuff4Life about what including glass in Wales’s DRS actually means in practice – and why it matters. Why did Wales push so hard for glass? Why did Defra agree to diverge from internal market alignment? And if glass is so important, why isn’t it included elsewhere?

We also explore the implications for reuse and refill systems, the operational impact on Wales’s high-performing recycling infrastructure, and the tensions this creates for cross-border producers and the glass and drinks industries.

Does this decision genuinely move Wales further up the waste hierarchy – or is it a complicated step toward circularity?

Guest Linda Aspey, Climate Psychology Alliance Hosted by Trang Dang, CIWM 

Climate change is not only an environmental, political and economic challenge. It is also an emotional one.

In this episode, Trang Dang speaks to Linda Aspey from the Climate Psychology Alliance about the growing field of climate psychology and the eco-emotions many people experience in response to the climate crisis, including anxiety, anger, grief, guilt and despair.

They explore why these emotions can sometimes overwhelm people, but can also become a source of connection, reflection and action. The conversation also looks at the role of communication, storytelling and language in shaping how people understand climate change, and how we can talk about the crisis without deepening hopelessness or disengagement.

Linda also discusses the psychological challenge of moving away from a culture built around endless growth, and toward values rooted in sustainability, wellbeing and “enoughness”. Finally, the episode considers what resilience really means in the context of climate change, and how individuals, organisations and communities can develop the emotional capacity to face an uncertain future.

A thoughtful conversation about climate, communication and the inner work needed to build a more resilient society.

Plastic recycling sits at the heart of the circular economy — yet across the UK and Europe many recyclers are struggling to survive. If recycling is such a critical part of the system, why is the business model so difficult to sustain?

In this episode, we’re joined by Richard Hudson from the CIWM and Adam Herriott from WRAP to explore the realities facing plastics recyclers today. From volatile material markets and rising operational costs to the complex policy landscape shaping the sector, we unpack what it actually takes to run a plastics recycling business.

Together we examine the plastics waste market in the UK and Europe, why so many recyclers are struggling, and what separates the companies that succeed from those that fail. We also discuss the role of policy — from Extended Producer Responsibility and waste exports to whether governments should be doing more to support domestic recycling infrastructure.

Looking ahead, we ask whether the UK Emissions Trading Scheme could shift the economics in favour of recycling — or whether market forces will simply drive a move away from plastics altogether.

It’s a candid look at the paradox at the centre of plastics recycling — and what it will take to build a system that truly works. ♻️

As David Greenfield concludes his term as CIWM President and Charlotte Davies reflects on her year as CIWM’s first Early Careers President, they look back on the conversations, challenges and progress that defined their time in office.

They discuss bringing the resources and waste and circular economy agendas closer together, tackling the skills and workforce gap, making the sector central to conversations on resource resilience, and moving circularity from ambition to everyday practice.

With advice for incoming presidents Vicki and Emma, as well as young professionals considering a career in the sector, this is a forward-looking conversation about the people, policies and partnerships needed to build a more circular future.