Adjusting to the New Rubbish Collection Rules: A Local Resident’s Perspective

By Jane Davies, Llantwit Fardre Resident

As a long-time resident of Llantwit Fardre, I’ve witnessed many changes in our community. Some have been welcomed with open arms, while others have caused concern and confusion. The recent alterations to our waste collection rules fall into the latter category.

The Three-Week Collection Cycle

The new rubbish collection schedule, which will begin on September 30th, 2024, has left many of us scratching our heads. Instead of the familiar bi-weekly collection, we now face a three-week cycle. For someone who has diligently put out their wheelie bin every Thursday morning, this shift feels like a seismic event.

The Black Bag Quandary

The heart of the issue lies in the black bags. We’re allowed a maximum of three standard-size bags per collection. Gone are the days when we could toss out our excess waste without a second thought. Now, we weigh each item, calculating whether it’s worth sacrificing one of our precious bags. It’s like a game of Tetris, but with rubbish.

And what about those weeks when life gets messy? A family gathering, a DIY project, or a wardrobe decluttering session can easily fill more than three bags. Suddenly, we’re faced with storing our overflow until the next collection day. Our wheelie bins, now relegated to the background, and stand as silent witnesses to our rubbish struggles.

Recycling Remains Unchanged

Thankfully, recycling collections haven’t changed. We still dutifully separate glass, paper, and plastic, hoping that our efforts contribute to a greener future. But it’s the general waste that keeps us up at night. Will we make it through the three weeks without overflowing bags? Or will we resort to desperate measures, like stuffing black bags into our neighbors’ bins under the cover of darkness?

The Environmental Angle

The council insists that these changes are necessary to reduce our carbon footprint. By limiting black bag collections, they hope to encourage recycling and discourage waste. It’s a noble goal, but it feels like we’re caught in the crossfire. As a resident, I want to do my part for the environment, but I also need practical solutions for everyday life.

Navigating the Transition

So, what’s a concerned resident to do? Here are a few survival tips:

1. Plan Ahead: Strategically use your three bags. Prioritise items that can’t be recycled or composted. And if you’re hosting a party, consider renting a skip or asking guests to take their empties home.

2. Community Support: Reach out to neighbors. Maybe they have extra bag space, or perhaps you can share a skip rental. We’re all in this together, after all.

3. Wheelie Bin Creativity: Repurpose your wheelie bin. Use it for garden storage, a makeshift compost bin, or even a quirky planter. Let’s turn an inconvenience into an opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Change is inevitable, and perhaps, in time, we’ll adapt to this new rhythm. But for now, as I glance at my neatly stacked black bags, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a better way. Maybe a compromise that balances environmental responsibility with practicality. Until then, Llantwit Fardre residents will continue their Tetris game, hoping not to topple the tower of rubbish.

Jane Davies is a writer, avid gardener, and occasional Tetris champion.