What is the real reason behind Rhondda Cynon Taf Council removing your Wheelie Bin?
RCT Council Cuts Waste Collection Safety Standards, Endangering Health of Workers and Residents
A recent decision by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council (RCTC) to replace wheelie bins with black bags for waste collection has raised serious concerns over health and safety standards. The change, made without public consultation, appears to disregard modern best practices that prioritize reducing the physical strain on refuse workers and improving overall waste management efficiency.
Despite guidance recommending wheeled bins to minimize injury risk, RCTC has reverted to black bags—a move that both residents and experts say is a step backwards. According to a Glasgow Caledonian University field study on household recycling bags and boxes, “The findings are clear.” The study demonstrated that the use of bags and boxes in waste collection correlates with increased musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to frequent bending, lifting, and twisting. It also found that refuse workers experience significantly less pain when using wheeled bins for waste collection.
Health Risks Ignored in Favor of Outdated Practices
A report published by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) further supports these findings. Research shows that MSD-related pain among waste collection workers decreased “significantly” after introducing wheeled bins. However, when councils reintroduced bags and boxes, injuries climbed again. Andy Robertson, Chair of IOSH’s Environmental & Waste Management Group, commented on the findings, saying: “These collections account for about 80% of all the reported injuries, with the most common being musculoskeletal disorders.”
The council’s own documentation argues that bags are “lighter” and that the change will create operational “equality” across all boroughs. However, critics argue that this rationale ignores the broader health implications for workers. The council’s insistence on using black bags will not imposes additional costs on residents, resident who must now purchase black bags themselves—despite being told there would be “no impact.”
Elected Officials and Experts Question RCTC’s Decisions
In a recent inquiry, Samuel Kurtz, MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, raised questions regarding RCTC’s decision. He pointedly asked the Deputy First Minister whether the Labour-led council’s choice to remove wheeled bins because new electric refuse lorries can’t even lift them. was in line with the goals of a circular economy, which emphasizes efficiency and resource conservation. Kurtz added: “Surely it’s about reducing waste, avoiding unnecessary spending, and making efficient use of the resources we already have. Is this really how a circular economy is supposed to work?”
This question reveals a fundamental issue: according to insiders, the decision may not have been about operational improvements or recycling efficiency but rather a practical issue with electric refuse vehicles, which reportedly lack the capability to lift heavier wheeled bins. If true, this could indicate a lack of foresight in the council’s investment decisions, leading to a situation where workers and residents bear the brunt of the consequences.
Key Benefits of Wheeled Bins Over Black Bags
Experts and residents argue that wheeled bins provide clear advantages:
- Ease of Use: Wheeled bins allow residents to easily maneuver waste to the curb without straining their backs or risking injury.
- Safety: They reduce the need for heavy lifting by collection workers, thus lowering the risk of MSDs.
- Hygiene: Wheeled bins contain waste more effectively, minimizing odor and preventing pests from accessing rubbish.
- Environmental Protection: They shield waste from weather, preventing litter from scattering in strong winds and keeping streets cleaner.
- Standardization: A uniform approach to waste collection simplifies route management and creates a cleaner streetscape.
Despite these benefits, RCTC’s decision has disrupted the system and may put workers and residents at increased risk. We have been informed that health complaints among refuse collectors in the Rhondda area—where black bags were already in use—are higher than in areas using wheeled bins. Perhaps the local council can answer that question?
The council’s guidance suggests residents store black bags in wheelie bins until collection, creating an impractical system that could have been avoided by simply continuing the use of wheelie bins for direct collection. We wer informed that this practice was forbidden by the council because of lifting out of bins puts a strain on the individual. Perhaps again the council will clarify?
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The council’s lack of consultation and disregard for expert recommendations raises questions about transparency and accountability. As one concerned resident put it, “If we want our refuse workers to work more productively for longer, and with fewer health problems, then the use of wheeled bins is an essential starting point.”
Residents and workers alike are left questioning why RCTC has opted to ignore well-documented health and safety findings in favor of a decision that appears to prioritize outdated systems over public welfare. With the need for effective waste management only growing, the council’s actions underscore the importance of involving the community and making decisions based on evidence, not expedience.
Image by Richard Sutcliffe