SPECIAL REPORT: Waste-by-Rail
The State-of-the-Industry for Hauling Waste by Rail: Change is on The Horizon

ISSUE: Volume 13, Number 6, 2003

ABSTRACT:

With all of the advances in waste management in recent years, the idea of moving waste by rail or barge seems the inevitable choice of an efficiency seeking market. But somehow, despite all the excitement and discussion, moving waste by rail is still at best a niche operation.

What are the hurdles for this seemingly optimal solution? When will things begin to change? It seems that there are a number of complex issues that have all conspired to hinder wide adoption of waste by rail. Relatively poor public understanding seems to give local politicians plenty of fodder for grandstanding the issue. Complex contract arrangements must exist between generators, haulers and disposal site host communities for it to work. Current waste industry market conditions have not helped either.

SECTIONS:

-Numerous benefits
-Obstacles
-Market Prospects For Rail
-Higher Fixed Relative to Variable Costs
-Economies-of-Scale
-Greater Capital Expense
-Cost Discontinuities
-Political constraints
-When Will Things Begin To Change
-Where are programs working?
-Useful links

Related Story: Virginia DEQ Considers Container Requirements, Fees For Barge Hauling On James River

DATA:

Table: Existing Facilities With or Planning Rail Access
Figure: Map Depicting Waste Disposal Facilities With or Planning Rail Access
Table: Waste Disposal Facilities With or Planning Rail Access

TO ORDER:

• Please call (952) 831-2473 or fax your request to (952) 831-6550 or email: research@wasteinfo.com.