Hawaii tests asphalt made with recycled plastics and fishing nets for shedding
Phys.org • • business
Key Points:
- Researchers in Hawaii are developing a method to recycle derelict fishing nets and residential plastic waste into asphalt roads, aiming to address the state's plastic pollution and recycling challenges.
- The Hawaii Department of Transportation partnered with Hawaiʻi Pacific University's Center for Marine Debris Research to create and test plastic-modified asphalt pavements using recycled polyethylene from local sources, including fishing nets.
- Initial tests showed that pavements containing recycled plastics did not release more microplastics than standard polymer-modified asphalt, with tire wear contributing significantly more microplastic particles in road dust.
- The project demonstrates a promising environmentally friendly disposal option for plastic waste that could reduce landfill use and marine debris, though further research is needed to evaluate long-term pavement durability.
- Researchers emphasize that recycling plastic into infrastructure materials can be effective when sustainability is prioritized, challenging the notion that plastic recycling is unfeasible.
