1. EachPod

The Future of Recycling, EPR & Sustainability in the UK

Author
Dominic Danson
Published
Tue 17 Jun 2025
Episode Link
https://shows.acast.com/forty-minutes-with/episodes/686ae87c91efcd9815c1bbb7

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesdays, Dom sits down with the brilliantly insightful Dr. Margaret Bates, a leading expert in waste and resource management currently working with Defra on some of the most ambitious reforms to UK recycling policy in decades.


From outrageous recycling myths (yes, some people do try to recycle nappies) to how packaging producers will soon be paying their fair share for waste collection under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Margaret explains it all – with humour, realism, and a refreshing dose of common sense.


What you'll learn in this episode:

  • What EPR actually means and why it matters
  • How the UK is moving toward simpler, unified recycling rules
  • The real story behind those confusing symbols on packaging
  • Why a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) could be a game-changer
  • How brands (like a certain ketchup giant) are leading the way in sustainable packaging innovation


Whether you're a citizen, business leader, or just confused by the idea of having seven different bins, this chat is packed with accessible insight into how we can make waste less wasteful and what role you can play.


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