If you blow your nose on toilet paper, is it greener to bin it or flush it? We weigh up the trade-offs: incineration versus wastewater treatment, energy recovery versus water use, and even the surprising role flushed tissues can play in tracking disease outbreaks through sewage monitoring. Our conclusion: flushing probably edges it, but only if you're not flushing solely for the tissue. Wait until you're using the toilet anyway, and let that flush do double duty.
This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish Question' from episode 68 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 13th November 2025.
While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling PodcastWe would love you to join our community on DiscordSpecial thanks to our sponsor, EcosuretyTo get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcastOr you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address
[email protected] or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232Music licence ID: 3GXXBILNPGLYRUZF