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BART Using Plastic Bags, Bottles For Track Ties

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Apr 21, 2008 3:21 pm US/Pacific

BART Using Plastic Bags, Bottles For Track Ties

Environment & The Green Beat

OAKLAND (BCN) ―

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Bay Area Rapid Transit officials Monday showed how plastic bags and bottles can strengthen the train tracks and help the environment by replacing wooden train-track products with recycled ones.

BART needs to replace about 14,000 "ties," nine-foot beams that hold the train tracks together, and instead of using traditionally wooden ones, the agency is using compacted bottles and bags.

The new beams are compiled of about 2,800 plastic bags and about 600 bottles, which last up to three times longer, according to BART spokeswoman Luna Salaver. "It's so much better than having them fill our landfills," said Salaver.

The recycled ties also save trees from being cut down for the sake of wooden ties, she said.

The plastic tie can also be recycled again at the end of its lifespan, about 50 to 60 years, unlike the wooden ties with a 15- to 40-year lifespan, which are soaked in a tar-like substance, stated BART spokesman Linton Johnson.

The transit system has already replaced about 400 ties since 2005 and plans to replace the rest within the next five to 10 years.