The Environmental Scrutiny Committee met to discuss improving Cardiff's recycling performance, the proposal for a new green crematorium, updates to the active travel network map, and the Cardiff Crossrail project. Key decisions included approving the next steps for a new green crematorium, moving forward with public consultation on the active travel network map, and authorising the award of a construction contract for Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1A.

Delivering the Path to 70% to Improve Recycling Performance

The committee received an update on Cardiff's efforts to reach the Welsh Government's statutory 70% recycling target. Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, explained that the projected recycling rate for 2024-25 is 64%, which risks significant fines under the Waste (Wales) Measure 2010. Interventions already in place, such as year-round garden waste collections and improvements to trade waste services, are showing some impact, with Q3 performance indicating the highest levels of dry recycling and composting recorded for that period.

Two key proposed interventions were discussed:

• Weekly Absorbent Hygiene Product (AHP) Collections: Currently, only 36% of AHP waste is captured. Moving to weekly collections is expected to increase this to 50-70%, contributing 0.2-0.4 percentage points to the overall recycling target. This initiative is planned for April 2026 and will be funded through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments.
• Soft Plastics Kerbside Collection: This new service, planned for summer 2026, will help Cardiff meet the statutory requirement to collect flexible plastics by April 2027. Trials have shown high resident satisfaction, and it is expected to contribute an additional 0.4-0.7 percentage points to the recycling target. This will also be funded by EPR payments.

Committee members raised concerns about communicating these changes to residents and ensuring effective education, particularly in areas with challenging housing types like flats. Officers explained that while press coverage can sometimes be inaccurate, public feedback has been positive, and ongoing training for collection crews is in place. They also highlighted the recruitment of ten additional enforcement and education officers, funded by EPR, to target specific hotspot areas. Discussions also touched upon the difficulties in comparing Cardiff's performance with other Welsh councils due to differing population demographics and housing types, and the ongoing negotiations with Welsh Government regarding potential fines.

The committee expressed overall support for the proposed changes.

Green Crematorium Proposal

The committee considered a proposal to build a new green crematorium and wake facility to serve Cardiff and the surrounding area. Councillor Mackie introduced the item, highlighting the need for a modern, sustainable facility to meet future demand and keep funeral costs affordable. The proposal aims to replace the current, aging Thornhill Crematorium with a facility that utilises electric cremators, renewable energy, and low-carbon construction methods to significantly reduce emissions.

The report presented three options:

1. Do Nothing: This option carries significant financial and strategic risks due to increasing competition from private crematoria, potentially leading to a loss of over £2 million in annual income and impacting cemetery service fees.
2. New Purpose-Built Crematorium: This is the recommended option, involving the construction of a new, modern, and sustainable facility on council-owned land at the former Dutch Garden Centre. It would offer increased capacity, resilience, and revenue generation potential, estimated at over £1.8 million in additional annual revenue.
3. Refurbish Existing Building: This option would involve significant capital investment with uncertain costs and major disruption, potentially forcing closure for 6-10 months and leading to permanent loss of income. It would not address the building's outdated design or location, nor generate additional income.

The committee supported the fundamental idea behind the green crematorium proposal, with members asking if the environmentally friendly aspect would encourage a shift from burial to cremation. Officers indicated that while funeral wishes are personal, offering a green option would likely appeal to environmentally conscious individuals.

The committee agreed to discuss the way forward in a closed session.

Cardiff Active Travel Network Map (ATNM)

The committee reviewed proposed updates to the Active Travel Network Map (ATNM) before it undergoes a formal 12-week consultation period. Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, introduced the item, emphasising the council's commitment to promoting cycling and walking. The ATNM, required by the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, outlines existing and future routes for walking and cycling.

The proposed updates include incorporating newly completed and audited routes into the existing routes map and removing completed sections from the future routes map. Future routes will be prioritised based on factors such as accessibility to key destinations, health impacts, and safety, using the Transport for Wales Prioritisation Tool.

A statutory public consultation is planned from May to July 2026, with targeted engagement for specific groups including disabled people, children and young people, older people, women, and pregnant individuals.

Committee members raised concerns about a perceived disconnect between the aspirations on the map and the reality of implementation, citing instances where requested upgrades had been rebuffed or deferred. Officers explained that the long-term nature of the map and funding limitations are key challenges, and that the map serves to set a direction of travel and manage expectations. The question of whether Welsh Government approval of the ATNM should be linked to funding for its delivery was also raised.

Members welcomed the consultation process and requested that the criteria for auditing walking routes be included to provide clarity. They also emphasised the importance of incorporating local knowledge into the map and ensuring that the consultation clearly communicates that inclusion on the map does not guarantee delivery due to funding constraints.

The committee agreed to recommend that the criteria for walking routes be included in the consultation and that clear communication regarding the non-guaranteed delivery of routes be provided.

Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1A Update

The committee received an update on Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1A, a project aiming to create a new tram-train link between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. Councillor De'Ath introduced the item, highlighting its importance in transforming transport in the city and supporting regeneration. The project involves new tram platforms at Central Station, a twin-tracked route through Callaghan Square, and enhanced facilities at Cardiff Bay Station, alongside significant public realm and active travel improvements.

The report sought Cabinet approval to delegate authority to the Director of Planning, Transport and Environment to award the Stage 2 Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Construction Contract to John Graham Construction Ltd. This step is crucial for progressing the project into its construction phase, with works scheduled to begin in summer 2026 and completion anticipated in summer 2028.

Members noted the project's complexity, time and funding pressures, including a UK Government funding deadline. Affordability remains a challenge due to inflation, but the ECI Target Cost approach is seen as a viable way to manage costs and risks. The potential for disruption during construction was acknowledged, with a detailed phasing strategy being developed in coordination with other city developments and utility works.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that the Crossrail project and the new arena development are not constructionally dependent on each other, although it is intended for both to be completed around the same time to maximise benefits for the city.

The committee agreed to move into a closed session to discuss commercially sensitive information related to the contract award.

Way Forward

The committee reviewed the evidence and information gathered during the meeting. It was agreed that the Chairperson would write to the relevant Cabinet Members on behalf of the committee, conveying their comments, observations, and recommendations on the discussed items. The next meeting of the Environmental Scrutiny Committee was rescheduled to Thursday 14 May 2026.