The Environmental Scrutiny Committee meeting on 12 March 2026 focused on improving Cardiff's recycling performance, the proposal for a new green crematorium, updates to the active travel network map, and the Crossrail Phase 1A project. Key decisions included approving the introduction of weekly absorbent hygiene product collections and soft plastics recycling, moving forward with plans for a new green crematorium, and approving the consultation process for the active travel network map. The committee also received an update on the Crossrail project, with delegated authority sought for the Stage 2 construction contract.

Delivering the Path to 70% to Improve Recycling Performance

The committee received an update on Cardiff's Path to 70% programme, which aims to increase the city's recycling rate to meet the statutory Welsh target. Councillor Norma Mackie, Member for Waste, Street Scene and Environmental Services, highlighted that Cardiff's current projected recycling rate of 64% puts the council at risk of fines totalling up to £1.8 million.

To address this, two key interventions were proposed:

• Weekly Absorbent Hygiene Product (AHP) Collections: Moving from fortnightly to weekly collections of items such as nappies and incontinence products is expected to increase capture rates from 36% to between 50-70%. This is projected to divert an additional 500-1,200 tonnes of waste annually and contribute 0.2-0.4 percentage points to the overall recycling rate. The change is planned for April 2026 and will be funded through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments.
• Soft Plastics Curbside Collection: Introducing a dedicated collection for soft plastics, such as crisp packets and plastic film, from summer 2026 will prepare Cardiff for a national statutory requirement due in April 2027. This initiative is expected to contribute a further 0.4-0.7 percentage points to the recycling target and is also to be funded by EPR payments.

Councillors raised concerns about the effectiveness of previous rollouts, such as the red and blue bag system, and how lessons learned would be applied. Councillor Daniel Waldron questioned how the council would address challenges in areas with limited space for bins. Councillor Andrea Gibson inquired about what other high-performing councils were doing differently to meet targets. Councillor Bob Derbyshire expressed support for the proposals but sought reassurance on the education and enforcement measures for hard-to-reach residents.

Officials explained that lessons from previous rollouts were being incorporated, including ongoing training for collection crews and targeted education campaigns. They acknowledged the unique challenges Cardiff faces due to its high proportion of flats and transient populations, which makes comparisons with other councils difficult. The recruitment of ten additional enforcement and education officers, funded by EPR, was highlighted as a measure to address non-compliance and target hotspot areas. Discussions with Welsh Government regarding potential fines were ongoing, with the council hoping for a favourable outcome based on their demonstrated commitment to improving recycling.

The committee generally supported the proposed changes, with Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones specifically endorsing the weekly hygiene waste collection as a no-brainer. Concerns were raised about the communication strategy for the new soft plastics collection, particularly regarding the perception of an eighth bin and the cost of the rolls, with a request for more detail on how the change would be communicated and managed. Councillor Daniel Waldron also questioned the logic of the 70% target itself, suggesting it might be unrealistic for a city with Cardiff's demographic makeup and that fines could be counterproductive to investment. The committee agreed to include support for challenging the fairness of the targets in their feedback to the Cabinet Member.

Green Crematorium Proposal

The committee considered proposals for a new green crematorium to serve Cardiff and the surrounding area. Councillor Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene and Environmental Services, presented the proposal, emphasizing the need for modern, sustainable facilities to meet future demand and keep funeral costs affordable. Martin Birch, Operational Manager for Bereavement and Registration Services, provided a presentation on the proposal.

The report outlined three options: doing nothing, refurbishing the existing Thornhill Crematorium, or building a new purpose-built facility. The recommended option is to build a new crematorium, which would incorporate electric cremators, renewable energy, and low-carbon construction methods to significantly reduce emissions. This approach is seen as essential to compete with private crematoria and maintain service quality and income. Councillor Bob Derbyshire supported the fundamental idea, particularly its environmental benefits, and asked if a green option might encourage more people to choose cremation over burial. Officials confirmed that while funeral choices are personal, a green crematorium could appeal to environmentally conscious individuals. The appendices related to this item were confidential due to commercial sensitivity.

Cardiff Active Travel Network Map

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 and Transport, presented the report, highlighting the council's commitment to enhancing cycling and walking infrastructure. Gail Bodley-Scott, Section Leader for Transport Vision Policy and Strategies, provided a presentation on the map's purpose and the refresh process.

The ATNM, required by the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, outlines existing and planned routes for walking and cycling over the next 15 years. The refresh incorporates newly completed routes and aligns future routes with current policies. The consultation, running from May to July 2026, aims to gather feedback from a wide range of users, including cyclists and non-cyclists.

Councillor John Lancaster raised concerns about a perceived disconnect between the map's aspirations and the reality on the ground, citing instances where long-standing requests for upgrades, such as pedestrian crossings, had been rebuffed or deferred. He questioned the purpose of the map if the necessary improvements were not being made. Councillor Ash-Edwards echoed these sentiments, noting that routes being designated as active travel routes often lacked basic safety features.

Officials explained that the ATNM is a long-term vision and that delivery is dependent on funding. They acknowledged the challenge of managing expectations, particularly when routes are included on the map but their delivery is contingent on future funding. The committee requested that the criteria for existing walking routes be clearly included in the consultation materials and that it be made explicit that inclusion on the map does not guarantee delivery. The importance of local knowledge in informing the map was also stressed, with officers agreeing that the consultation would be valuable for identifying local cut-throughs and informal paths.

Crossrail Phase 1a Update

The committee received an update on Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1a, a project to create a new tram-train link between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. Councillor Dan De'Ath presented the report, highlighting that the project is a key part of the city's transport transformation and is jointly funded by the UK and Welsh Governments. Gethin Shields, Operational Manager for Major Projects, provided details on the project's progress, including the proposed highway realignment in Callaghan Square to create improved public realm, walkways, pedestrian crossings, and a segregated cycleway.

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

Councillor John Lancaster inquired about the timescales for completion and how they aligned with other major projects, specifically the new arena, noting that the success of Crossrail is retaliated on the arena and vice versa. Officials confirmed that the projects are not dependent on each other, although they are aiming for concurrent completion to benefit users of both facilities. They also clarified that the construction of the arena and Crossrail are not codependent. The committee was reminded of the commercially sensitive nature of some appendices related to this item, requiring a move into a closed session for their discussion.

The committee also discussed the upcoming meeting schedule, with the next meeting proposed for Thursday 16 April 2026, and the May meeting rescheduled to 14 May 2026.