ISO 21106:2019

Overview - ISO 21106:2019 (Railway applications - Recyclability and recoverability calculation method for rolling stock)

ISO 21106:2019 provides a harmonized calculation method to quantify recyclability and recoverability rates for rolling stock. The standard defines a mass‑based approach (percent by design mass) to determine how much of a vehicle can be reused, recycled, energy‑recovered or disposed of at end‑of‑life. It is intended primarily for the design of new rolling stock but can be applied to existing vehicles when material and dismantling data are available. The calculated rates are valid at the point of delivery and the method excludes assumptions about future recycling technologies or industry trends.

Key topics and technical requirements

• End‑of‑life treatment stages: The method divides treatment into three stages - pre‑treatment, dismantling and shredding - and treats process losses and residues accordingly.
• Four treatment pathways: The calculation covers reuse, recycling, energy recovery and disposal, with residues from energy recovery and disposal generally assumed to be landfilled.
• Mass‑based indicators: Defines recyclability rate and recoverability rate as percentages of the design mass of rolling stock (mass in working order).
• Efficiency and loss factors:
  • Material Recycling Factor (MRF) - suitability/efficiency of a material to be recycled.
  • Energy Recovery Factor (ERF) - efficiency of converting material mass into usable energy.
  • Shredding Loss Factor (SLF) - mass loss during shredding and sorting.
• Documentation and data: Requires detailed material breakdowns and documented efficiency factors; supply‑chain engagement is essential to obtain accurate material data.
• Scope exclusions: Spare parts used for maintenance and infrastructure (stations, electrification, signalling) are excluded from the calculation.

Practical applications and who uses ISO 21106:2019

• Rolling stock designers and manufacturers use the method to improve design for end‑of‑life performance and to set recyclability targets.
• Sustainability and EHS managers apply the standard for internal reporting, lifecycle assessment (LCA) inputs, and environmental performance benchmarking.
• Procurement teams and OEMs include recyclability/recoverability metrics in specifications and supplier requirements.
• Regulators and infrastructure owners can use the standardized rates for compliance, reporting and procurement evaluation.
• Recyclers and dismantlers benefit from consistent material definitions and end‑of‑life pathways to plan processes and capacity.

Related standards

• ISO 22628 (recyclability/recoverability terminology and guidance) - referenced for definitions.
• EN 15663 (design mass of rolling stock) - used for the design mass concept.
• ISO/TC 269 (Railway applications) - technical committee responsible for the document.

Keywords: ISO 21106:2019, recyclability, recoverability, rolling stock, railway applications, end‑of‑life, recycling rate, recoverability rate, material recycling factor, energy recovery factor, shredding, dismantling, pre‑treatment.