London North Eastern Railway

Before partnering with Valpak, LNER faced several operational challenges in improving waste management across a complex and high-traffic network.

• Inconsistent waste segregation: On-train recycling bins were not practical, resulting in mixed waste collected at drop-off points for manual segregation
• Data quality and transparency: Early waste data from contractors lacked accuracy and visibility, limiting effective performance tracking
• Contamination issues: Incorrect disposal by passengers and food waste contamination reduced the quality of recyclable material
• Limited staff engagement: While sustainability awareness existed, consistent practices and training varied between sites

LNER recognised the need for a robust, auditable system to benchmark progress, ensure transparency, and deliver measurable results in line with the waste hierarchy.

LNER selected Valpak for its industry-leading Zero Waste to Landfill Certification Service and expertise in data-driven environmental auditing. Working closely with LNER’s sustainability team, Valpak delivered a comprehensive, evidence-based approach:

• Third-party certification and audits: Annual certification audits, initially onsite, and recently online, covering LNER’s head office, depot, and a sample of stations
• Data consolidation and reporting: Improved tracking of waste volumes, recycling, and recovery across all scoped sites
• Contractor change and data enhancement: Transitioned from one to another, improving accuracy and visibility of waste data
• Targeted recommendations: Introduced simpler, clearly labelled recycling systems and additional segregation stations (now three, with plans to expand)
• Training and engagement: Refresher training for staff and a new bi-annual environmental forum to share good practices
• Proactive monitoring: Valpak provided ongoing insight to strengthen the waste hierarchy and reduce contamination

This partnership ensured LNER not only maintained its certification but also made tangible progress in waste reduction, recycling performance, and audit readiness.

The collaboration between Valpak and LNER has delivered measurable, long-term sustainability gains. Between 2019 and 2025, LNER’s recycling rate increased from 14.49% to 33.44%, while overall recovery shifted from 85.51% to 66.55%, demonstrating a deliberate move from residual recovery to higher-value material recycling.

Key outcomes:

• Strengthened waste hierarchy: A clear shift from residual recovery to high-value recycling
• Improved data transparency: New waste contractor and better reporting tools improved audit accuracy
• Enhanced engagement: Staff now actively participate in waste reduction; customer communication campaigns reduced contamination
• Ongoing certification: Annual audit process continues, confirming LNER’s sustained Zero Waste to Landfill status
• Broader sustainability gains: Actions now support wider carbon-neutral targets and operational efficiency initiatives, including the establishment of sorting and circularity hubs, and digital tracking of waste data