A pioneering new environmental project to turn Glyncoch into the first zero waste village in the country has been launched with a special family fun day.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
Hundreds of people flocked to Glyncoch for the event organized by GlyncochCommunities First which saw residents and visitors enjoy a fun-filled day of events to launch the exciting challenge which aims to ensure that 95% of all premises recycle both their dry recyclables and their food waste.
The aim is also to ensure all residents respect their environment, all communal areas and open spaces are well maintained and whilst there is no litter on the ground, there is no fly tipping in the village and all dog owners are signed up to the good owners guide.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
The project was launched in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Glyncoch Green And Friendly Action Group at an event held at Craig yr Hesg Primary School.
Children and adults alike were thrilled by the Glyncoch Hip Hop Dancers, singer-songwriter Greg Roberts, pottery and willow sculpture, making jewelry from recycled materials, wood carving, time-banking stall, employment advice and also football skills through Cardiff City Academy, and bouncy castles. There was also plenty of information available not just about Green Glyncoch, but the variety of environmental projects being promoted by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services Cllr Anthony Christopher said: “The launch day was a major success despite the fear of inclement weather. Residents and visitors alike were inspired by the many environmentally-friendly schemes currently being undertaken in the county borough thanks to the Council and its partner agencies.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
“The Green Glyncoch initiative is a major programme being led by our Streetcare Team and with the continued support of residents, we hope to establish the first zero-waste village in the county borough and the country as a whole. Glyncoch will become the blueprint for many other “green” schemes to follow throughout the UK.”
For further information on this project please contact your Community First Co-ordinator or call Rhondda Cynon Taf Streetcare Services on 01443 827712.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
What Is The Project About?
The project will concentrate on improving the environmental aspects in the village, whilst providing on the ground training for people through the “Future Jobs Funding Programme”.
The scheme will look at employing 10 staff over any six-month period, therefore over the duration of the project a minimum of 30 people will work on it and these staff will be deployed on a number of environmental themes such as:
• Environmental Awareness Raising
• Litter Picking
• Community Enforcement Wardens
• Overgrowth Removal
• Recycling
• Good Dog Ownership
• Non use of Plastic Bags
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
It is hoped that potential employees will come from Glyncoch and therefore promote Civic Pride.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
How Will It Work?
This project is aimed at helping and supporting the efforts and improvements already made in Glyncoch and to ensure a step change approach to the area becoming a Zero Waste Village within 18 months.
The estate has numerous derelict garage areas, overgrown footways and overgrown green areas, all of which have either been blighted by or are blighted by litter, dog fouling and flytipping at some stage.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
The core of the team with be tackling environmental awareness issues, and in particular will be undertaking door knocking exercises to all properties on the estate, to improve the participation of both dry and food waste recycling – both of which are free services as part of the weekly kerbside recycling collection.
The team will also work with the Streetcare Awareness Team, undertaking talks and work programmes with the schools to raise environmental awareness in the village and the wider community.
The team will also work with all the businesses in the village, ensuring they are working towards the Zero Waste Village target, ensuring all clubs recycle their bottles and cans, the food outlets are recycling their food waste whilst the convenience stores have a ban on giving out plastic carrier bags in line with the National Assembly for Wales.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
In addition, the Streetcare Enforcement Team will investigate and tackle issues of littering and flytipping, whilst supporting the awareness raising staff in their work, through the use of the legislative powers.
There will be a team dedicated to ensuring the village is free from litter and flytipping. This team on a daily basis will pick up litter and empty the bins on the estate, tackle any flytipping found, and any known hot spots will be reported to the Council’s Enforcement Tea for investigation.
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
The final team will be dedicated to tackling overgrown areas of land, bringing them back into reuse and hopefully as time progresses turning them into well-maintained gardens for the community.
Other Initiatives Dependent On Availability of Funding
Green Glyncoch Campaign Launch
To improve the environmental element of the village there will be other infrastructure initiatives needed to compliment the scheme. Some of these are listed below, although some may be subject to further funding bids to other bodies:
• Provision of mini Community Recycling Centre
• Provision of Recycling Banks to businesses
• Provision of electric powered vehicles
• Provision of Bags for Life
• Development of Scrap store for bicycles and DIY material
• Provision of low energy light bulbs
With the support of all parties involved, Glyncoch can indeed become a Zero Waste Village.
