Biffa's switch to rail transport of inert waste greatly reduces carbon emissions

Marketplace

Bunting's new manual-clean FF Drawer Filter Magnet enables quick, easy & safe removal of ferrous metal Waste Management

Bunting's new manual-clean FF Drawer Filter Magnet features an insert easily retrofitted into existing FF Drawer Filters. The new insert enables quick, easy and safe removal of ferrous metal captured on the high-strength tube magnets. The Drawer Filter Magnet captures tramp ferrous metal in plants producing and recycling plastics, processing foodstuffs, powders, and many other dry materials.
Pielkenrood Technology to play a key role in Envorem’s Greentech System tackling oily sludge Water

Pielkenrood is one of the world's leading experts in the field of oil / water separation and water treatment and Envorem has chosen to include Pielkenrood technology in its trailblazing sludge and soil remediation system.
Hiden unveils next generation gas analyser Air Quality

Hiden Analytical Unveils the Next Generation Gas Analyser: The QGA 2.0
BT Group Corporate Reports

An important part of our strategic progress is to lead the way to a bright sustainable future. We've made long-term commitments on how we'll contribute positively to our country and society in the BT Group Manifesto. This year we've continued to deliver on our Manifesto commitments to be a responsible, inclusive and sustainable business.

Home > News > Transport > Biffa's switch to rail transport of inert waste greatly reduces carbon emissions

Monday, 24 August 2020 12:13

Biffa's switch to rail transport of inert waste greatly reduces carbon emissions

Biffa saves 6,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions transporting material by rail

Waste firm Biffa reveals it has saved 6,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions by switching to the usage of rail links for the transportation of mostly inert waste material to its facilities. This follows the Group's strategic rail partnership with GB Railfreight to increase its capacity for transportation via rail, thereby reducing its reliance on road haulage. Since last year, the Group has transported over 600,000 tonnes of inert waste by rail.

Rail links were created with the Northern cities of Manchester in 2017 and Leeds in 2018, to allow waste to be transported to Biffa's landfill facility in Roxby, near Scunthorpe. Data since January 2019 has demonstrated a saving of over 11 million kilometres in tipper truck journeys by using rail and 6,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Biffa train headon view The initiative underpins Biffa's long-term sustainability strategy, 'Resourceful, Responsible' announced earlier this year. As part of this, a new target to transport 50% of its input to landfill by rail by 2025 has been set, which looks set to be achieved. In the last few years Biffa has been developing its rail transport capabilities, transporting up to 27% of its specialist waste types, destined for landfill, by rail.

Fuel usage accounts for 15% of Biffa's carbon footprint, included within this is approximately 90,000 tonnes of CO2 from the use of diesel alone. The Group will also add an extra 250,000 tonnes of capacity per year when it opens a third site in East London at the end of 2020.

Mick Davis, Chief Operating Officer for Resources and Energy at Biffa, commented: "This achievement is a small but important step towards meeting the ambitious targets set out in our new sustainability strategy which targets transporting 50% of our waste to landfill sites by rail by 2025. We're looking forward to the results with upcoming rail links and the overall aim to tackle climate change in the UK."