AUWEKO
Shaping the Future of Train Stations
This article first appeared in the Railway-News Magazine Issue 1 2024.
Three decades ago, AUWEKO GmbH began its collaboration with Deutsche Bahn AG.
Together, they introduced thousands of 3- and 4-compartment recycling bins at German train stations – an initiative to introduce the ‘Green Dot’. The Green Dot symbolises, then as now, recycling and the responsible handling of recyclable materials.
AUWEKO GmbH is now not only a proud partner of Deutsche Bahn but also of ÖBB, SBB, CFL Luxembourg and Harmain Speedrail. Our expertise and commitment transcend borders, reaching beyond just the railway industry – international airports, shopping centres and stadiums all rely on AUWEKO’s high-quality products.
Primarily, AUWEKO waste bins play a pivotal role in enhancing passenger satisfaction. Through their thoughtful design and strategic placement, they ensure cleanliness and order at train stations, offering practical advantages for passengers. This user-friendliness contributes to travellers experiencing a pleasant and hygienic environment.
In an era where awareness of responsible waste management is rapidly growing, companies must champion and benefit from this movement. Resources should be reusable, and collecting, sorting and recycling ‘everyday waste’ during travel – whether it’s packaging, plastic, glass or paper – is a significant step towards conserving resources. With a wide range of products, from multi-bin waste separators to smoker terminals, AUWEKO is the ideal partner in this endeavour.
From the outset, AUWEKO manufactures waste and recycling bins from high-quality stainless steel or galvanised and powder-coated sheet steel. This choice contributes to sustainability: firstly, the exceptional durability of stainless steel ensures that the bins withstand the demanding conditions in bustling train stations while maintaining their functionality and aesthetics over time.
Secondly, the long lifespan of stainless-steel containers significantly reduces the need for resources in production, transport, and disposal. Moreover, the pivotal factor lies in the ability of steel, especially stainless steel, to be endlessly recycled without loss of quality. This closed loop allows the material to reenter the production process at the end of its lifecycle. This continuous recycling not only contributes to efficient waste management but also champions an environmentally friendly approach that conserves resources and minimises the ecological footprint.
Selecting the appropriate containers is critical. Depending on the location of use, single or multiple containers, different insertion sizes (e.g. for pizza boxes) and clear labelling are recommended. For outdoor areas, waste bins with robust vandalism and graffiti-protection or integrated ashtrays are available. Additionally, bins with integrated information areas prove advantageous in many locations, allowing operators to provide instructions or utilise them as advertising space.
