A through-life evaluation of end-of-life rolling stocks considering asset recycling, an energy recovering, and financial benefit

According to a large number of end-of-life rolling stocks were left over landfill, appropriate waste management should start by properly understanding the components of rolling stocks to determine their remaining potential. This paper evaluates efficient and feasible approaches to recovering and recycling wasted rolling stocks. The emphasis is placed on three broad train types, consisting of freight train, passenger train, and High-Speed Rail (HSR). In this article, all compositions of the three types of rolling stock are studied, with the results of the recyclability and recoverability rates being used to inform their productive treatment at the end-of-life.

The distinctive point of this research is an analysis of compositions, materials, and the percentage of value adopted from the end-of-life rolling stocks. With respect to find out the recyclability (R_cyc) and recoverability (R_cov) rates on end-of-life rolling stock, the equations are adopted from ISO 22628:2002 document to estimate the feasibility and suitability of each component on the rolling stock for taking advantage from unused parts. By comparing the R_cyc and R_cov rates among three types of rolling stock at the end-of-life stage, the highest value of R_cyc showed at 92.8% from freight train where the highest value of R_cov represented at 12.5% from HSR. It was found that those rates relate to the main components on rolling stock, which contained diversely characteristic to be reusable, recyclable or recoverable materials. Finally, the two key recommendations for further design on rolling stocks are provided regarding the proper selection of materials and the method to enhance efficiency of recycling and recovering process.