In 2023, JSCo “RZD” generated 1.44 million tons of production and consumption waste, of which 0.075 million tons were recycled and neutralized within the company’s business units. Taking into account the waste received in 2023 from other business entities, 1.55 million tons of waste were transferred to third-party organizations, including:
- for subsequent recycling — 1.18 million tons;
- for neutralization — 0.19 million tons;
- for disposal — 0.18 million tons.
More than 85% of the waste generated by JSCo “RZD” is neutralized and recycled. The major part of waste (scrap ferrous and non-ferrous metals, used oil products) is transferred to the established waste recycling market. Additionally, waste is utilized and neutralized in accordance with JSCo “RZD” license for handling waste of hazard classes I–IV.
JSCo “RZD” consistently builds up the culture of sustainable waste management based on the principles of a closed-loop economy. In 2023, measures were taken to increase waste recycling.
- At Faustovo, Yanaul, and Podvoloshnaya railway stations, the Company has launched and has been operating the facilities for recycling reinforced concrete sleepers, producing construction rubble and cleaned steel reinforcement scrap. A total of 35.155 thousand reinforced concrete sleepers were recycled in 2023.
- Three facilities for recycling rubber products are in operation (Ukladochny, Perm-Sortirovochnaya and Tulun stations). In 2023, 711.1 tons of waste were processed at these facilities, producing 350.1 tons of rubber crumb and 14 thousand m2 of rubber flooring.
- At the thermal waste treatment complex of the Scientific and Production Center for Environmental Protection, located at Tagul station, 6.043 tons of industrial and medical waste were neutralized.
- In 2023, the heat generation plant at Chernyakhovsk station used 28.1 thousand old wooden sleepers as solid fuel to generate 4,242 Gcal of heat energy and to save 576.36 thousand cubic meters of natural gas.
Standard technologies for organizing separate waste collection are being implemented in all structures of the RZD passenger block, involving cleaning and outsourcing companies.
Additionally, 2,463 tons of secondary material resources (paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and household aluminum waste) were sent for recycling in the reporting year, which is 272 tons or 12% more than in 2022 (2,191 tons).
In 2023, 216 recycling kiosks for collecting plastic bottles and aluminum cans with a bonus system for passengers were installed at 158 railway stations. In the reporting year, 33 thousand passengers returned about 1.5 million containers or 45.6 tons of secondary resources (80% plastic waste, 20% household aluminum waste). Compared to 2022, the number of machines increased eightfold (26 units in 2022).
INTRODUCTION OF A PROCESSING LINE FOR RECYCLING RUBBER PRODUCTS
The Company operates three facilities for recycling rubber products (Ukladochny station of the West Siberian Railway, Perm-Sortirovochnaya station of the Sverdlovsk Railway, and Tulun station of the East Siberian Railway). These projects enable the processing of technical rubber waste and automotive tires into rubber crumb. This product is subsequently used to manufacture finished products, such as flooring, for both the company’s own needs and for commercial sale.