The council recorded a 64% recycling and composting rate in the 2016 calendar year, according to latest figures, just above the Welsh average (63%), but the council is seeking to increase this to 70% by 2024-25.
According to the council, many householders are open to the recycling message, but it has claimed that contaminated recycling is becoming an increasing problem for the borough. Food waste and nappies have been cited as a particular problem by the local authority.
The council has launched a campaign titled ‘Don’t Waste your Waste’ in a bid to combat the issue.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “Recycling rates are currently at their highest-ever level in Rhondda Cynon Taf, comparing favourably with other areas in Wales. We are currently above the Welsh Government’s target, but the figure will rise to 70% in the coming years so it is important progress is maintained.
Message
“Not cleaning out food containers before recycling, or putting food waste or nappies in with your dry recycling bag, can lead to a whole week’s worth of recycling being wasted. The message to residents is clear – don’t waste your waste.
“The council provides weekly food waste collections and a nappy recycling scheme in an effort to make recycling as easy as possible for residents.
“By cleaning your recyclable food containers and putting food waste in your separate food waste bags you will help to make a huge difference to the number of items that we can recycle and re-use.”
Dry recycling including paper, card, glass, metal, plastic and cartons is collected weekly by the council using clear recycling bags, while food waste is collected via household caddies on the same day as the dry recycling.
Residual waste is collected from householders fortnightly via a black bag, of which householders are provided a limited number depending on their requirements.
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