Introduction

Recycling and a cleaner environment are one of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's main priorities, and the level of investment made in both the recycling service and streetcare over the past few years has demonstrated this. We are continuing to recycle more and more of our waste each week, which once more proves our success story in this field alone, but this can only continue when even more residents consider recycling their household waste.

Streets are cleaner now although there is still room for improvements, and the key for us is to educate and continue to raise awareness to residents of the blight that litter brings to the areas where we live. The awareness has to be undertaken in conjunction with enforcement, which we use as a last measure when all else has failed.

The message is clear, unless we see a reduction in this method of disposal over the coming years we could face severe penalties from the Welsh Assembly Government. However, there is no excuse not to be able to recycle materials in Rhondda Cynon Taf with a first-class kerbside recycling collection service, a series of Community SORT Centres, pioneering food waste trials and more and more items than ever being added to the list of materials that can be recycled.

Events like this are incredibly important to us as we encourage more people to understand the importance of recycling and improving the environment, which will hopefully lead to their own families and friends adopting the same enthusiasm, to ensure we rapidly reduce the quantity of waste being sent to landfill sites, and keep the streets cleaner.

Together we thank you all for the commitment, enthusiasm and hard work you have shown.

Nigel Wheeler
Service Director Streetcare Services
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council