Recycling rates are higher than ever before
RECYCLING rates in Rhondda Cynon Taff are higher than they’ve ever been, and now above the Welsh average, the council has said.
It comes after figures released by the Welsh Government confirmed 64% of the county borough’s overall waste was recycled in 2016, compared with 60% the year before.
A report, published on May 25, shows local authorities’ performance in municipal waste management. And Rhondda Cynon Taff, in the 12 months up to the end of December 2016, was above the Welsh average of 63%.
It’s the first time the council has hit 64%, and means it has improved its performance year on year – 60% in the 12 months to the end of December 2015.
The figures also show the council increased its recycling rate for the October to December quarter from 60% in 2015 to 61% in 2016.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, the cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “These latest figures from the Welsh Government confirm that residents in Rhondda Cynon Taff are rising to the council’s recycling message, as we hit 64% for the first time.
“There is always more progress to be made though, and with further items increasingly being added to the list of materials that can be recycled or reused, we can still do more by just recycling that one extra item.”
Council leader Andrew Morgan tweeted: “Fantastic effort from RCT residents, highest ever recycling rates! Well done!”
The Welsh Government’s recycling target for each local authority is 58% for 2016-17, while its longer-term target is 70% by 2024-25.
Continuing to support the efforts of Rhondda Cynon Taf residents, the government announced in March £335,000 funding to help increase the amount of waste that is recycled. It was announced that funding will be used to build on the success of the Rhys Cycle Landfill Safari Education Centre, waste de-watering centre, a new shredder for recycling steel springs and to support a new energy park at the Bryn Pica Waste Management site.
Meanwhile, the council recently announced the 24 finalists over eight categories in Love Where You Live 2017 – the awards that recognise environmental heroes in Rhondda Cynon Taff.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Coleg y Cymoedd’s Nantgarw Campus on Tuesday, July 4.