Deutsche Bahn aims to use essential production resources and products as efficiently as possible and to preserve them for as long as possible. To achieve this, DB considers its value chain from procurement through operational use to disposal. Each year, many items are retired that are still in good condition—such as rail and construction vehicles, office furniture, IT equipment, tools, machines, and ICE seats. For this reason, Deutsche Bahn has developed a sustainable solution with the online platform DB Resale, where these products are offered for sale.

In addition to complete rail vehicles, engines, or bogies, DB Resale also offers unique collector’s items—such as old station clocks and passenger seats. If necessary, these are refurbished by DB before being put up for sale.

If reuse is not possible, the items are disassembled into individual components. The recovered raw materials are then used elsewhere to manufacture new products. For example, glass panes from trains and construction machinery are recycled into construction sand.

Significant environmental impact

Each year, large quantities of scrap metal are generated at DB. These are sold to certified recycling companies—with a significant positive impact on the environment, as the scrap metal is recycled and reused elsewhere.

Sought and found

Since spring 2020, DB Resale has offered decommissioned materials not only for external use but also for internal DB purposes. Whether office containers or workshop equipment—items no longer needed in long-distance transport can continue to be used in freight transport. This way, DB sustainably extends the service life of its equipment and materials while conserving valuable resources.