Cardiff Council’s Cabinet will be asked on 15 October to approve a public consultation on a draft Recycling and Circular Economy Strategy for 2026-2030, aimed at reducing waste and supporting the city’s ambition to become a zero-waste city.
Subject to Cabinet approval, a six-week consultation would invite residents, businesses, partner organisations and community groups to comment before the strategy returns for final consideration. Materials would be available online, with paper copies in Council Hubs and libraries. A webcast of the Cabinet meeting will be available at cardiff.public-i.tv.
The draft sets out how Cardiff can reduce waste, increase reuse and repair, improve recycling and composting rates, and support the council’s wider commitment to a stronger, fairer and greener city. Circular recycling forms part of a circular economy in which products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible through reducing waste, reusing items, repairing goods and recycling materials into new products.
Cllr Ed Stubbs, Cabinet Member for Frontline Services, said: “This strategy responds to a range of national and local challenges, including Welsh Government recycling targets, climate change commitments and the city’s continued growth.
“Cardiff has made significant progress in increasing recycling over recent years, thanks to the efforts of residents and businesses. However, there is more we can do. Although the city’s recycling & composting rate has reached 64%, we must continue working together to achieve at least 70% by 2030.”
Research during development of the strategy found that on average around 63% of materials currently placed in household residual waste bins could already be recycled through existing council services. Within flats and communal properties, the figure rises to approximately 72%. Capturing more of those materials would improve recycling performance, reduce disposal costs, generate additional income from recyclable materials and help meet environmental ambitions.
The draft is built around five priorities: preventing waste; supporting reuse and repair; increasing recycling; improving infrastructure and service design; and strengthening engagement with communities.
It also outlines future initiatives including a new recycling scheme for plastic bags and wrapping currently being trialled, pop-up community recycling points, improved recycling services for flats and shared accommodation, expanded repair and reuse opportunities, and enhanced engagement programmes.
Cllr Stubbs added: “We know a significant proportion of the material currently going into general waste bins could already be recycled or composted. Capturing more of these materials will help reduce waste, increase recycling rates and make better use of valuable resources.
“This strategy sets out a clear plan for achieving those goals, but we want residents, businesses and community groups to help shape the final document. Their views will help ensure our plans reflect local priorities and deliver real environmental benefits for Cardiff.”
