Residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf have all shown how bright they shine and how much they care about the environment.
This week marks the start of Wales Climate Week 2023 (4th-8th December), the start of the countdown to Christmas and the launch of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s new Christmas Recycling campaign – ‘Be a Star Recycler this Christmas’.
The one thing that is key to all of these things and is at the very heart of everything – is our residents!
Whether it’s the star of Bethlehem, a famous celebrity star or just wanting to get star of the week – throughout our lives we reach for the stars and follow them, hoping to become the star in our own lives. One of the BIGGEST issues we all face is climate change and we can all play a star role in making a real difference to our lives by making simple choices every day.
In July 2023 the Council changed its black bag and bin collection frequency to 3 weekly in a bid to increase recycling rates, reduce black bag waste and lower its overall carbon footprint – to help fight climate change!
Recycling plays an essential role in tackling climate change, and just as those pesky elves show us at this time of year, it’s often the little things that can make a HUGE difference in our homes (for good or bad)!
Thanks to the support of our ‘Star Recyclers’ the Council can report that early indications show that we are reaching for the stars, hitting the target and UPing Our GAME when it comes to recycling!
Thanks to the Super Star recyclers, black bag/wheelie bin waste has been reduced by a staggering 1,500 tonnes.
Even more amazing is the fact that food waste recycling rates have increased by 150 tonnes – meaning more people are taking their inedible food waste out of their black bags and putting them in their food waste caddy – That’s MIGHTY POWER!
Food waste accounts for over 20% of what is collected monthly in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The good news is that, out of the recycled food waste, enough energy can be generated to power around 1180 homes! A real shining light across our County Borough!
The good news doesn’t stop there – as RCT Star Recyclers have also helped increase dry recycling by 3.5% – based on the same period last year (Qtr 2).
The provisional recycling rate data currently suggests that, just 6 months into the year the overall rate so far is 68% – so we’re on the upwards winning track!
Christmas is a busy time of year, and the festive period often includes lots of extra food and presents. It is estimated that household waste increases by over 30% during this time, which means lots of extra recycling!
The Council is asking its residents to put all of the amazing efforts they have shown so far in to becoming Climate Stars this Christmas by sending our recycling targets out of this world in the New Year and taking some simple steps to help fight Climate Change!
Throughout the next week The Council will be sharing tips and advice on you can be a shining Climate Star this Christmas – from turning the heating down 1 degree and putting on the thick Christmas jumper, 4 minute party showers to walking to the Christmas doo!
Some things to consider this Christmas….
Donate Unloved Items:
Looking to throw out old, no longer used books, toys, clothes, crockery, ornaments, DVDs etc. before Father Christmas visits this year?
Take climate action this Christmas and come on down to The SHED in either Llantrisant, Treherbert or Aberdare where your unloved items could become someone else’s treasure!
Community Involvement:
Ever thought about volunteering, donating or just checking out a local community group here in Rhondda Cynon Taf? Get involved by clicking the Community Action Climate Change Map.
Energy Efficiency:
By making small changes to the way you use energy and water at home can make a big difference on your fuel bills and reduce your impact on the environment. Whether it’s powering down appliances left on standby, switching to LED bulbs, reducing time in the shower or even washing at a lower temperature.
To find out more climate friendly tips on how you can take climate action at home go to Climate Change RCT – Energy Saving & Home Improvements
Visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ChristmasRecycling for full details.
Councillor Christina Leyshon, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services said:
“I am delighted to see the Council making positive steps towards reaching its recycling, reuse and waste targets. Hitting this target won’t be possible without the hard work and commitment of our residents which has been clear to see, especially since the changes to black bag and bin collection in July 2023.
“This Climate Week it’s important to highlight all the different areas where we can play our part. By looking at what and where we spend, how we travel, the energy we use and the way we get rid of our rubbish, can all help make a greener and more sustainable RCT.”
For more information on how you can help join the fight against climate change everyday (not just for Christmas) visit Climate Change RCT.
