This is not a practical or economically viable option, specifically when the majority of RDF is anticipated to be sourced from Swindon and the wider area. Rail was considered for the import of residual waste materials. However, investigations identified that the rail spur to the east is at full capacity. It also concluded that the proposed REC facility would source most of its residual waste from the wider Swindon area so the use of rail links would not be a practical transport solution, as it would still involve collection vehicles on the local highway network, travelling to/from any rail terminal.
Similarly, waste loading facilities need to be available from where the waste arises and since the waste may come from several different sources, this is not cost effective. Finally, the waste may arise from different places as contracts change, so building rail infrastructure is no guarantee that it can be used in the future.