As part of our environmental policy, we conduct our activities in consideration of minimizing the wastes generated by our rail operations as well as the safe and responsible disposal of wastes.

Waste

CN retains the services of a national waste contractor to handle and safely dispose of all wastes that cannot be recycled. The contractor ensures our subsidiaries are licensed in accordance with applicable provincial or state regulations in order to support CN's North American operations. The contractor helps CN track the wastes we generate and works with us to find waste reduction and recycling opportunities within our organizations.

Recycling

Across the company, CN has programs in place to reduce waste to landfill. We recycle fluorescent tubes, batteries, used oil, used oil filters, scrap metals, as well as rail, cars and ties. At large CN facilities where enough waste is generated, we also have recycling programs in place for such materials as paper, wood pallets and cardboard.

Tie disposal

Historically, railroad ties were automatically sent to landfill but over the years, CN has actively looked for opportunities to reuse them where possible.

Old ties can be used as fuel in cogeneration plants, chipped and used as landfill cover, recycled or reused on our own system in low traffic areas. CN makes every effort to dispose of old ties by sending them to cogeneration plants but this is contingent upon the availability and proximity of such facilities to the company.

CN has been involved with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Strategic Options Process – through the Industrial Users Steering Committee – to develop guidelines for industrial users of treated wood products. The guidelines cover many aspects from initial purchase through to disposal. The main goal is responsible management, which includes reduction of the amount of post-use wood going to landfill.

CN strives to follow these guidelines across its North American network. For example, CN is using concrete ties in environmentally sensitive areas, and is also experimenting with plastic ties. At the disposal end of the life cycle, CN recovers energy through cogeneration where feasible.

Read the story on rail tie gangs (PDF 356KB)

Responsible tie disposal

In 2009, CN removed 1. 29 Million rail ties from our system.  Over the years, CN has made efforts to send more scrap rail ties to cogeneration plants as the old ties are not suitable for reuse.

Storage tanks

To minimize any potential environmental problems associated with petroleum products storage, CN places great importance on the safe and systematic management of its above ground and underground storage tanks. CN's storage tanks are located away from any environmentally sensitive areas, and conform to appropriate industry standards.

Over the past five to six years, CN has been active in the consolidation and modernization of storage tanks across its network. This includes the active elimination of underground storage tanks.

Locomotive fueling

Two main types of diesel fuelling occur at CN: fixed fuelling and direct-truck-to-locomotive fuelling, for which CN only uses approved fuel suppliers. CN uses drip trays and various other devices to contain any spillage. At the same time, fuelling activities are located as far away as possible from environmentally-sensitive areas.

CN recognizes that the best and easiest solution is prevention in the first place. All employees and contractors engaged in fueling activities are trained in the safe performance of their functions.