Although we can recycle lots of things in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the best thing we can do is reduce the amount you waste in the first place. Many of the things we throw away could be useful to someone else or could be recycled into something new. As the saying goes, 'one person’s trash is another person’s treasure'!
Compost Food Scraps
Composting your food scraps has many benefits. It reduces the amount of food waste going to landfill, where it would decompose and produce methane (a planet warming gas). It’s also a great resource for growing and fertilising your garden!
Refuse & Reuse
Say no to plastic bags, coffee cups, bottles and other single use items. Remember to take your reusables with you when you are out and about.
Instead of using disposable batteries, why not try rechargeable batteries instead?
Rechargeable batteries can be used over and over again and are better for the environment as they create less waste. Rechargeable batteries are also cheaper over time.If you do use disposable batteries, it is important that you do not throw these in your household bins. Batteries contain heavy metals which, when collected properly, can be reused. Read more about battery recycling.
Your Trash Is Treasure
Over half of us have bought clothes and books second hand. Do you?
Why throw something away when someone else could enjoy it? Pass on unwanted items or grab a bargain at a charity shop like the Shed in Aberdare, Treherbert and Llantrisant!
Recycle, Recycle
In RCT, we aim to meet the current Welsh Goverment recycling target of 70% by recycling all of the waste we receive. Check the Councils Recycling page to find out what you can and can’t recycle in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Don’t litter! It harms wildlife, blocks waterways and looks unsightly.
Care & Repair
Over half of us say we already buy fewer, better-quality items and more of us would like to do this.We also know we can save money by repairing instead of replacing broken or damaged items. Try Rhondda Repair Café or any of the other repair shops in the County Borough to get that bike puncture fixed, phone screen mended or that zip replaced.
Donate Old Tech
By using your products for longer or donating old electrical items such as laptops and computers, you can help minimise the amount of electrical items you throw away and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are many places around Rhondda Cynon Taf where you can donate your old electrical bits. Take a look at TooGoodToWaste for example who can even come and collect your unwanted items at your doorstep for free!
If you have old electrical items that no longer work, please do not place these in your green or black bins. These can be recycled at recycling centres, find your nearest recycling centre on the Council’s website or check out our Small Electrical Items (WEEE Recycling) page for more information.
