Sustainability in the world today is the most important aspect, and industries all over the world are strategizing and discovering new ways in which waste can be reduced and the footprint diminished. One initiative that is gaining prominence is the use of recycled plastic for road construction. This process not only decreases plastic pollution but also improves the texture of asphalt roads. Let’s take it one step further by understanding how the entire process of recycled plastics is influencing road construction.
Why Use Recycled Plastic in Roads?
Millions of tons of plastic waste are produced in the world yearly. A majority of that plastic ends up either in landfills or the ocean, causing critical damage to the environment. Contrarily, when recycled plastic is used in asphalts, it is an environmental-friendly approach by the following:
Reduce Plastic Waste: The use of plastic, which otherwise contributes to the rising plastic waste crisis, will be reduced if it is recycled.
Improving Road Life: Roads made from recycled plastic have shown more resistance to wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and heavy traffic.
Lowering Carbon Footprint: The conventional methods of road construction consume much energy. Energy consumption can be reduced with the help of recycling plastic as part of bitumen, which is a product of petroleum.
How It Works
This is done by shredding plastic waste into small pieces and then melting and mixing with hot bitumen. The plastic-bitumen mix is spread on the road surface like traditional asphalt, resulting in a smooth, durable roadway. Common types of plastics include polyethylene, which is used in shopping bags, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
Global Success Stories
Some of the countries are India, The Netherlands, and South Africa. They have started using recycled plastic for road construction. In India, the roads were reported to last longer and require less maintenance than traditional roads.
The Plastic Road project in The Netherlands has produced prefabricated road sections fully made of recycled plastic. These roads are lightweight, easy to install, and are expected to last for decades.
Benefits of Plastic Roads
Plastic roads would be cost-effective. Although the setup is a tad higher in comparison, maintenance cost will be low and plastic roads economical in the long term.
Plastic gives an inherent flexibility to the asphalt so that it is not prone to cracking.
Plastic roads do not attract water. So, no potholes or damage to roads due to heavy rainfall.
Challenges and Considerations
Quality Control: The quality of recycled plastic material needs to be maintained consistently for its strength and safety in roads.
Public Awareness: The stakeholders and also the government agencies and construction companies need to be informed about the advantages of plastic roads to make it a more widespread phenomenon.
Conclusion
With this recycled plastic into asphalt, we solve two major problems of this world: waste plastic and collapsing infrastructure. With every step taken toward a more environmentally friendly world, more and more countries are embracing this innovation along with companies.
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