The Beyond Waste Podcast

Tech Meets Trash: The AI Revolution in Resource Recovery

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

Turning Off the Tap: Reflections from the CIWM President

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)

What will it really take to fund a circular economy in the UK?

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

Environmental Enemy No. 1: Is Plastic Really the Villain?

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 

The Circular Avengers: Defra’s Circular Economy Taskforce Assembles!

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.

No City Left Behind: The CE Revolution – Circular Cities Week Debrief

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!
 

2024 in Review: A transformative year in the resource and waste sector

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.

The City Environment Debate on a Circular Economy: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

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.

CEweek2024 Special: Going Full Circle for Circular Value Chains

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:
Report: “An EPR of Everything, Starting with Batteries”
Report: “Turning off the Tap: Why better design can increase resource resilience and reduce consumption”Discover more about the Circular Economy Institute here.
Discover more about the Circular Economy Club here.Discover more about CIWM here. 

Reviewing the Resource & Waste Strategy

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.