Millions of tons of plastic waste are generated globally every year, presenting a substantial global challenge. Since the 1950s, thousands of plastic products have been rapidly produced, and a significant proportion of them become plastic waste at the conclusion of their life cycle, particularly single-use plastics that have a very short lifespan, often lasting only a few minutes or hours. With the rapid rise in the number of plastic products, recycling plastic waste has become a crucial challenge worldwide. Recycling plastic waste in asphalt pavement has emerged as an alternative solution to traditional mechanical and chemical recycling methods.

Gengren Hao et al. conducted a study on this topic this year. The results indicate that the incorporation of plastic waste can enhance the rutting and stripping resistance of porous asphalt pavement, but excessive use of plastic waste may reduce its abrasion resistance. Furthermore, recycling plastic waste in porous asphalt pavement does not contribute to aquatic environmental pollution, and the appropriate use of plastic waste has the potential to generate economic benefits.

Overall, the evidence from this study strongly suggests that recycling plastics in porous asphalt pavement offers a viable, environmentally friendly, and economically sound approach to enhancing the performance of porous asphalt pavement, addressing the plastic crisis, and conserving non-renewable resources.

Reference:

Hao G, He M, Lim SM, Ong GP, Zulkati A, Kapilan S. Recycling of plastic waste in porous asphalt pavement: Engineering, environmental, and economic implications. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2024;440:140865.

Author : Samira Sheikhi