As autumn leaves begin to fall across the County Borough, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Streetcare teams are once again carrying out their annual leaf clearance operation – ‘Operation Leaf Fall’, to help keep roads, pavements and drainage systems as clear as possible ahead of the wetter winter months.
Each year, hundreds of tonnes of fallen leaves are collected by the team and then recycled through the Council's green waste recycling service. While autumn colours can brighten local streets and parks, leaves and other seasonal debris can quickly block drains, gullies and culverts, increasing the risk of localised flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Ahead of Friday's forecast wind and rain, and with a Yellow Weather Warning in place, the Council is asking residents and businesses to help keep their communities safe by clearing leaves from drains and gullies near their properties, where it is safe to do so.
Please avoid sweeping or brushing leaves into the road, as they can be blown into drains and cause blockages, increasing the risk of flooding. Leaves left on the road can also make it more difficult for road sweepers to carry out clearance work, particularly where parked vehicles restrict access. If possible, leaves should be disposed of using the Council's Green Waste Recycling Service.
Throughout the autumn and winter period, Streetcare teams will carry out targeted cleansing operations in known leaf-fall hotspots, town centres and high-footfall locations. Alongside leaf collection, dedicated teams will continue inspecting culverts, maintaining drainage assets and clearing highway gullies as part of the Council's ongoing flood risk management programme.
Residents are also encouraged to make use of the Council's Green Waste Recycling Service, which provides a convenient way to recycle fallen leaves, hedge trimmings and garden waste. Collected material is composted and recycled.
If residents haven’t registered for the Green Waste Recycling service, but would like to start getting collections, registering for the service is quick and easy and can be done in a few minutes at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/Greenwaste or by calling 01443 425001. Residents will then receive their TWO FREE sacks to start green waste recycling. All they will need to do then is simply continue putting their green waste recycling, including any leaves they collect in the GREEN re-usable sack and during the winter months, from 23rd November, click or call to book their collection when they need it!
Councillor Louisa Addiscot, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
"Autumn brings with it some beautiful scenery across the County Borough, but it also presents challenges for our drainage network and highways."
"Our annual leaf clearance programme is an important part of our wider preparations for winter. By removing leaves before they accumulate and block drains, we can help reduce the risk of localised flooding and keep our communities moving safely."
"Our teams will be working throughout the season to clear leaf-fall hotspots, inspect drainage assets and respond to issues as they arise. However, residents can also make a real difference by safely removing small accumulations of leaves from drains near their homes and reporting any concerns to us."
"As we head into the wetter months, we would encourage everyone to remain vigilant, take care when travelling during periods of adverse weather and help us keep drains and gullies clear wherever it is safe to do so."
Residents who spot blocked drains, flooding concerns or other highway issues can report them via the Council's website or by contacting the Council directly.
If you need to report an issue during office hours visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ContactUs.
The Council’s Out of Hours and Emergency telephone number is 01443 425011.
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Posted on 22/10/2026