Waste
We produce non-hazardous waste mostly from our trains and buses, offices and stores and hazardous waste in our vehicle maintenance workshops.
We operate waste management contracts in the UK and across North America, allowing us to monitor waste arising and disposal routes. We work closely with our waste management contractors to identify areas of waste reduction and improve our recycling rates.
Our average non-hazardous waste recycling rate in the UK is 45%, an improvement of 5% on last year. Through our Small Changes, Big Difference campaign we have promoted the benefits of recycling which has contributed to this improvement. Our most successful depot recycles over 90% of its waste.
In North America we have now achieved a recycling rate of 22%, a significant increase from a low baseline of 7%. We have achieved this by working closely with our waste management contractors, Oakleaf, on a site-by-site education and evaluation programme which encourages employee participation in recycling and ensures that the right waste containers are available to them. This programme has also triggered a significant reduction of 4% in our total non-hazardous waste arising in North America.
Recycling champions - UK Bus
Across our UK Bus operations we have recycling champions who help identify ways to reduce waste to landfill. Initiatives have included working with cleaning staff to segregate waste left on buses and replacing desk waste bins with centralised recycling boxes. The recycling rates at our depots are reported in monthly league tables. Our leading depots recycle over 90% of their waste and we are looking to share best practice to drive similar performance across the business.