Plans to revamp black bin pick-ups

BLACK bin bag collections in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) could go to every three weeks under new proposals.

As part of the proposals which were due to be considered by RCT Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, the limit of one black bag a week per household which is currently in place will continue, moving from two bags per fortnight to three bags every three weeks.

The proposals mean households would be able to put out three black bags every three weeks.

The council said almost a third of Welsh councils already successfully operate threeweekly collections.

The collection of nappy waste, food waste and clear bag recycling would continue to be collected weekly.

The council said that the proposed change is projected to achieve an increase in recycling equal to 2,600 tonnes and would mean a 1.9% increase in the council’s overall recycling rate (based on 2021 figures), increasing from 67.48% to 69.38%.

The council would look to save around £800,000 in running costs and reduce its overall carbon footprint by approximately 100TCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) per year.

The council said any saving would be diverted to safeguard other key services such as social care or education, in the face of the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.

The current recycling rate for Rhondda Cynon Taf stands at 67.48% and the council said it must act now to ensure that the council isn’t subjected to large fines of £140,000 for every 1% that it fails to reach. The next target from the Welsh Government is 70% by 2024/25.

The council said: “This huge sum of money, at an already difficulty time, could result in services being cut or affected in order to pay the fines. It is estimated that eight out of every 10 black bags that are put out for collection could be recycled, and it is thought that this change would help us all to stop and think about every item that is thrown away – and whether they can be recycled, the council said.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, cabinet member for environment and leisure said, “We’ve come a very long way over the last decade and that is thanks to our recycling residents and dedicated staff.

“In 2013, when fortnightly collections were introduced, the county borough had a recycling rate of 43.3% and was facing potential fines for not hitting the Welsh Government target of 52% for 2013/14 - today we stand with a 67.4% target, that’s a 24% increase!

“Together with my cabinet colleagues and council officers we will be discussing the proposed changes outlined in the report in a bid to avoid these fines, ensure that we meet these targets, safeguard vital services, and reach the goal to become net-zero by 2030.”