The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss recycling performance, proposals for a new green crematorium, and updates to the active travel network map. Key decisions included the approval of new initiatives to increase recycling rates, with a focus on absorbent hygiene products and soft plastics, and the delegation of authority for the next stage of the Crossrail project.

Recycling Performance and Target Achievement

The committee received an update on Cardiff's recycling performance, with a focus on achieving the statutory target of 70% by 2024-25. Councillor Mackie, Member for Waste Street Scene and Environmental Services, explained that Cardiff's projected recycling rate of 64% for 2024-25 puts the council at risk of fines up to £1.8 million. To address this, a suite of interventions is being implemented, including the full rollout of garden waste collections, improvements to the trade waste service, and a new flats recycling programme.

Two key interventions were presented for approval:

• Weekly absorbent hygiene product (AHP) collections: From April 2026, a weekly collection service for AHP waste (such as incontinence and medical hygiene products) is proposed. This is expected to increase capture levels from the current 36% to between 50-70%, contributing 0.2 to 0.4 percentage points to the overall recycling rate. This was supported as a no-brainer by Councillor Dabisher, who highlighted the hygiene benefits, especially in warmer months.
• Soft plastics curbside collection: Introduced from summer 2026, this initiative prepares Cardiff for a national requirement to collect flexible plastics by April 2027. Trials have shown high satisfaction and participation, and this is expected to contribute a further 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points to the 70% target.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Waldron regarding the implementation of previous measures, such as the red and blue sacks, and how lessons learned would be applied. Councillor Mackie assured members that crews were being retrained and that the introduction of black sacks for residual waste was improving street cleanliness. Councillor Gibson questioned what other councils were doing differently to achieve higher recycling rates. Matt Wakelimm, Assistant Director of Street Scene, explained that Cardiff faces unique challenges due to its high proportion of flats (over 30,000) and transient populations, making it difficult to monitor individual household recycling. He also noted that the measurement of recycling by weight could be a factor.

The committee also discussed the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding, which supports local authorities in expanding recycling services. While this funding is currently significant, there is uncertainty about its long-term guarantee, as it is linked to manufacturers improving their packaging. Councillor Lai-Jones noted a disparity in the funding received between last year and this year, and efforts are underway to understand the calculation behind this.

Overall, the committee expressed support for the proposed changes, recognising the importance of these interventions in meeting the statutory target. However, Councillor Lancaster questioned whether it would be better to pause and allow recent changes to bed in, given the uncertainty of funding streams. The officers explained that the tight timescale and the need to demonstrate progress to Welsh Government meant that continuous implementation was necessary.

Green Crematorium Proposal

The committee considered proposals for a new green crematorium to serve Cardiff and the surrounding area. Councillor Mackie presented the option as a move towards a greener, more sustainable cremation service and to meet future demand. Martin Birch, Operational Manager for Bereavement and Registration Services, was due to present further details, but this item required moving into a closed session due to the sensitive nature of the appendices. In the open session, Councillor Dabisher supported the fundamental idea, highlighting its environmental benefits and asking if a green option might encourage a shift from burial to cremation. Mr. Birch indicated that while funeral wishes are personal, a green crematorium could appeal to environmentally conscious individuals.

Active Travel Network Map Updates

An update was provided on the proposed revisions to the active travel network map, which will undergo a 12-week formal consultation period before submission to Welsh Government. Councillor Daya, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, emphasised that the active travel act places duties on the council to promote cycling and walking, but that these are also priorities the council is enthusiastic about. Gail Bodley-Scott, Section Leader for Transport Vision Policy and Strategies, explained that the map, which looks at a 15-year timeframe, includes existing and future routes, as well as related facilities.

Councillor Lancaster raised concerns about a perceived disconnect between the map's aspirations and the reality on the ground, citing instances where requested upgrades, such as pedestrian crossings on Mill Road and enforcement of planning conditions on Lisbon Road, had been rebuffed or deferred. Officers explained that the map's long-term vision and the dependency on funding from Welsh Government were significant challenges. Councillor Ashadrix echoed these concerns, noting that routes being designated as active travel routes often led to a deferral of necessary improvements.

The committee welcomed the consultation process but requested that the criteria for existing walking routes be clearly communicated to the public. Councillor Lloyd-Jones highlighted that some well-used public footpaths in her ward were not included on the map, and suggested the consultation would be an opportunity to rectify this. Officers clarified that routes must meet specific standards based on walking and cycling audit tools to be included.

A key point of discussion was the funding for delivering the proposed routes. While the active travel network map is a requirement for applying for Welsh Government funding, the act does not guarantee the resources to deliver these routes. Councillor Lancaster and others stressed the importance of managing public expectations during the consultation, making it clear that inclusion on the map does not guarantee delivery. Councillor Daya agreed that the consultation needed to be clear about the funding challenges and the long timeframes involved.

Crossrail Project

The committee received an update on the Crossrail project, a vision for an east-to-west rail link across the city. Gaffin Shields, Operational Manager for Major Projects, explained that the project is now at the end of the detailed design phase and is moving towards construction. The scheme includes a tram link through Callaghan Square and into Cardiff Central Station, requiring significant modification to the highway alignment in Callaghan Square to improve public realm, walkways, pedestrian crossings, and a segregated cycleway.

The report sought approval to delegate authority for the stage two early contractor involvement construction contract to John Gray and Construction Limited, conditional on the project remaining within its approved budget. The delegation also covers defined packages of enabling and utility works to take place in advance of the main works, aiming for programme and cost savings.

Councillor Lancaster inquired about the project's completion timescale (scheduled for 2028) and its relationship with other major developments, such as the arena. Mr. Shields confirmed that while the Crossrail project is not dependent on the arena, both are intended to be completed around the same time to benefit from shared infrastructure and enhance the city's transport offering. He noted that enabling works, such as utility diversions, would commence before the main construction phase. The Transport and Works Act order for the project was anticipated to be signed off soon, with a notice to proceed to Graham potentially issued in the summer.

The committee noted that several elements associated with the award and report were commercially sensitive, requiring discussion in a closed session.