Is recycling just a load of rubbish?

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is hosting a talk called Is recycling just a load of rubbish? on Friday 18 December, and it's one that hits a bit closer to home than the title suggests. If you've ever stood in front of your bins wondering whether that plastic tub actually gets recycled or just ends up in a landfill anyway, this is exactly the kind of thing you'll want to hear about.

The talk focuses on the materials lifecycle, with a particular look at the complexity of recycling metals and plastics. It's not just about whether we're putting things in the right bin, but what actually happens to them after they leave the kerb. The session explores how to close the materials usage loop — the idea that instead of taking something from the earth, using it once, and tossing it, we keep those same materials in circulation. It's a big, messy topic that touches on everything from how things are designed to how they're processed, and the talk aims to pull back the curtain on why it's so hard to get right.

It's held at the IET on the Strand, right in the heart of London, so it's an easy one to drop into if you're already in the area. The session runs from 2:00pm to 3:30pm, and entry is free, which makes it a low-stakes way to spend a Friday afternoon if you've got an interest in where our waste actually goes. It's a ninety-minute slot, so there's plenty of time to get into the detail without it dragging on. If you've ever wanted a clearer picture of the reality of recycling, this is a good place to start.