Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf are being encouraged to think differently about waste as the Council supports Zero Waste Week 2026, a national campaign that encourages people to reduce waste through simple everyday actions.
The week, which runs from 7th September until 11th September, promotes practical steps such as reducing food waste, repairing instead of replacing, reusing items and recycling more from home.
While recycling rates across the County Borough continue to go from strength to strength, Zero Waste Week is an opportunity to look beyond the recycling bin and consider how we can prevent waste from being created in the first place.
Whether it's using up food already in the fridge, taking a reusable bag shopping, repairing a household item, donating unwanted clothes or making better use of recycling services, every action can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. The campaign's message is simple: there is no right or wrong way to take part, and even the smallest changes can make a significant difference.
Residents in Rhondda Cynon Taf are already demonstrating what can be achieved through positive environmental action, as they continue to surpass the Welsh Government's statutory recycling target of 70% every month, while food waste recycling increased by 21% and black bag waste collections reduced by 33%.
Recycling in Rhondda Cynon Taf couldn't be easier. The Council provides FREE and convenient recycling services to more than 110,000 households, including weekly clear bag mixed-recycling collections, weekly food waste collections, weekly green waste collections and dedicated nappy services.
The Council is encouraging residents to take on their own Zero Waste Week challenge by focusing on one area where they can reduce waste. This could include carrying a reusable water bottle, planning meals to avoid food waste, reusing containers, purchasing second-hand items, donating unwanted belongings or recycling one additional item each week. These small actions, can have a major impact on the environment.
Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, which includes Waste and Recycling, Councillor Ann Crimmings said:
"Zero Waste Week is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to stop and think about the everyday choices we make and how they impact our environment."
"Residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf have already achieved incredible results. Together, we have exceeded national recycling targets, increased the amount of food waste recycled and significantly reduced the amount of waste being placed in black bags."
"However, there is always more we can do. Reducing waste isn't about making huge lifestyle changes overnight. It's about taking simple, practical steps that work for you and your family."
"Whether that's wasting less food, choosing reusable alternatives, repairing something instead of replacing it or recycling one more thing each week, every action counts. By working together, we can continue to reduce waste, and create a cleaner, greener Rhondda Cynon Taf for future generations."
In addition to its kerbside recycling services, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council also has a number of Community Recycling Centres across the County Borough, providing facilities for residents to recycle a wide range of materials that cannot be collected at the kerbside.
Community Recycling Centres are located at:
• Ty Amgen, Llwydcoed CF44 0BX
• Cymmer Road, Dinas CF39 9BL
• Treherbert Industrial Estate CF42 5HZ
• North Road, Ferndale CF43 4RS
• Treforest Industrial Estate CF37 5TT
• Llantrisant 100% Recycling Centre CF72 8YT
Residents are reminded to sort recycling materials before visiting the centres, as bags of mixed recycling are not accepted. The facilities accept a range of materials including cardboard, clothing, plastics, electrical items, wood, metal, batteries, paint, tyres and much more. All sites are staffed and attendants are available to assist residents and offer recycling advice.
The Council also has three re-use shops, known as The Shed, located across the Rhondda, Cynon and Taf areas. These facilities help extend the life of reusable items, supporting the idea of reducing waste and keeping valuable materials in circulation for longer. More information on The Shed is available at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/TheShed.
To find out more about recycling services in Rhondda Cynon Taf, visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/recycling.
For inspiration and ideas on how to reduce waste during Zero Waste Week, visit www.zerowasteweek.co.uk.
Posted on 09/09/2026