Cardiff Council to launch recycling strategy consultation

Cardiff Council plans to seek Cabinet approval on 15 October for launching a public consultation on its proposed Recycling and Circular Economy Strategy (2026–2030), central to the city’s push toward zero-waste goals.

The six-week consultation will invite residents, businesses, partner organisations and community groups to comment. Materials will be posted online, with paper copies available at Council Hubs and libraries. A live webcast of the Cabinet meeting will be streamed at cardiff.public-i.tv.

The draft outlines how the city can cut waste, boost reuse and repair, raise recycling and composting rates, and back the council’s broader goal of a stronger, fairer and greener city.

“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,” said Cllr Ed Stubbs, Cabinet Member for Frontline Services.

Research for the strategy found that about 63% of material currently placed in household residual bins could already be recycled through existing services. In flats and communal properties, the recoverable share rises to roughly 72%.

The plan is built around five priorities: preventing waste, supporting reuse and repair, increasing recycling, improving infrastructure and service design, and strengthening engagement with communities.

Proposed initiatives include a new recycling scheme for plastic bags and wrapping currently being trialled, pop-up community recycling points, better services for flats and shared accommodation, expanded repair and reuse opportunities, and enhanced engagement programmes.

We want residents, businesses and community groups to shape the final document.”