This pilot study refers to a project whose objective was to develop procedures for the way surplus material removed in conjunction with ballast and banquette cleaning shall be dealt with from the technical/economic standpoint, in view of the responsibilities and roles of the players involved with regard to the requirements of the Swedish Environmental Code. The study is mainly based on the information gained from a number of studied reference projects. The ballast material removed is, on average, ca 0.5 m3/track metre in ballast cleaning and ca 1 m3/track metre in banquette cleaning. The introduction of the Environmental Code resulted in a tightening of requirements with regard to e.g. the way in which this surplus material is to be disposed of. In its capacity as track operator, the Swedish National Rail Administration has the ultimate responsibility for disposal of the material in a way that is compatible with the requirements of the Environmental Code and the environmental policy of the Administration itself. The results of the reference projects which have been studied in this project indicate that there is still uncertainty as to how the surplus material is to be disposed of. The absence of clear handling procedures is one reason for this uncertainty which has caused unnecessary disruptions, with irritation and cost increases as a result. Recycling/re-use of ballast material is a complex area involving many interested parties, and it is necessary for these to cooperate on the basis of the same conditions. In turn, this requires clear handling procedures which ensure that necessary and sufficient information is produced. The handling procedures proposed in this project are to be seen as a first stage in a continued development process.