The Beyond Waste Podcast

Beyond Consumption: Can a Sustainable World Actually Work?

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.

Sustainable UK Cities: What, How and When?

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.

A Quick Waste Conversation: EPR Funding and the Future of Local Authorities

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.
The CIWM Early Careers Team
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.

Inside India’s Invisible Recycling Network

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.

What will the waste sector look like in ten years—and who will lead it?

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.

A Vision for the Future: Meet CIWM’s New President

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.

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