Stateline reports that several projects around the country are testing the viability of combining recycled plastic with asphalt for road surfacing. Some early results are promising; but pavement composition, including different types of plastic-asphalt mixtures, must be thoroughly tested for durability and safety in a variety of conditions before widespread adoption can be considered. And while the diversion of materials such as “grocery bags, juice cartons, printer ink cartridges or other discarded plastic” from landfills may sound attractive, the strategy’s long-term sustainability is under scrutiny — including whether gradual road wear will introduce harmful micro plastics to nearby land and waterways.
