Network Rail recycling centre in Westbury

The rail green movement has started as Network Rail begins recycling the first 10,000 tonnes of track materials at its brand new recycling centre in Westbury. This also marks the launch of Britain’s first dedicated purpose built rail recycling hub.

Built to cater for 25% of the country’s disused track materials, the Westbury recycling centre is integral to Network Rail’s wider aim in building a greener and more cost-effective railway.

The centre is among three hubs to be built in Britain, it will bring £2m worth of benefits, contributing to the company’s target in cutting costs by 24% in five years.

It will also assist to boost Network Rail’s rate of re-use/recycling rail material waste to 95% by 2014.

Martin Elwood, director for Network Rail’s national delivery service, said: “A good railway not only contributes to the environment, it also contributes to the success of the country.

“Network Rail has always been working hard to drive cost efficiency within the business, because we understand an affordable and sustainable rail service also forms part of an integrated transport system fit for the 21st century. “Our recycling hubs in Westbury and across the country are part of this vision.”

Most of the 110,000 sleepers will be reused on the railway. In addition, 30,000 tonnes – the weight of around 150 trains - of waste steel from rail and fixtures will be recycled.