End-of-life plastics and glass fines could soon be used in the construction of footpaths instead of going to landfill, according to a new study from the Swinburne University of Technology.
The research found plastics and glass fines could be incorporated into concrete footpaths while still meeting the standard requirements, and without compromising the mechanical properties.
It is estimated that approximately 100,000 tonnes of flexible plastics end up in landfill each year, and only 48 per cent of glass waste is recovered for recycling, according to Sustainability Victoria.
The next step for this project is to include local governments and industries to increase the amount of recycled content in footpath construction.
“The use of recovered plastics and glass fines in concrete footpaths will divert significant quantities of these materials from landfill; whilst reducing the demand for virgin construction materials,” said Swinburne University of Technology’s Dr Yat Choy Wong.
This research project is one of seven projects that investigate new ways to increase the use of recovered class and flexible plastics.
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