05-05-2025
Road construction from waste plastic - HDMC's bold step towards sustainable devpt
Hubballi: Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) demonstrated
environmental responsibility
by incorporating plastic waste into road construction, effectively transforming waste into a valuable resource, while reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic.
The environmental impact is especially noteworthy. By repurposing plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or pollute water bodies, the municipality has effectively turned an environmental hazard into a valuable construction material. This approach aligns with
sustainable development
goals and circular economy principles.
The municipality initiated an experimental project utilising plastic waste in asphalt road construction at Lingaraj Nagar, Hubballi. The daily household waste collection in Hubballi-Dharwad undergoes initial processing at the compactor station. Suitable plastic waste is identified and processed through a shredding machine before being transported to the asphalt mixing facility.
The technical specifications reveal that 8% of plastic waste is blended with bitumen in the asphalt mixing process. This mixture, when combined with jelly and tar, creates a durable road surface that exhibits enhanced strength and resistance to water damage. The
plastic-infused roads
show remarkable resilience against pothole formation, addressing a common urban infrastructure challenge.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Looking ahead, the municipal corporation plans to incorporate this technology into all future road construction projects under their jurisdiction. This commitment showcases its dedication to sustainable urban development and environmental conservation.
The initiative serves as a model for other municipalities facing similar challenges with
plastic waste management
and road infrastructure development. It demonstrates how local govts can implement practical solutions that address multiple civic issues simultaneously while promoting environmental sustainability.
Vijay Kumar R, superintending engineer of HDMC, highlighted that adopting this eco-friendly method leads to savings of Rs 1.5 lakh per kilometre when compared to traditional asphalt roads. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali expressed intentions to extend this plastic waste utilisation throughout the upcoming corporation road projects. He further explained that this initiative serves the dual purpose of preventing environmental pollution while recycling plastic waste for road construction. HDMC successfully transformed plastic waste into a valuable resource for enhancing road quality.
The engineer noted that low-density plastics prove beneficial for road construction. Presently, a 1.1 km stretch in Lingaraj Nagar is under construction using plastic waste materials, while a 1.7 km road near the construction and demolition plant in Shivalli village will employ this technology. He also mentioned that the Indian Road Congress established clear directives regarding the use of plastic waste to enhance road longevity.
BOX:
Advantages of plastic roads
The strength of the road increases
Better resistance to water and water stagnation
No stripping and no potholes
increased binding and better bonding of the mix
increased load-wielding property
Overall consumption of bitumen decreases
Reduction in pores in aggregate and hence less rutting and raveling
Better soundness property.
The maintenance cost of the road is almost nil.
The road life period has substantially increased
No leaching of plastics
