Studies, conducted by Delhi's Central Road Research Institute, have revealed that plastic waste added to asphalt makes road building cheaper and of better quality. Added in small doses, about 5-10% by the weight of the asphalt (3-6 kg of plastic for every 100 kg of tar), it helps to improve stability, strength, fatigue life and other desirable properties of the road material.
"Such roads will have higher resistance to deformation, water induced damages, increase durability, strength and ultimately dispose of plastic waste in a larger quantity to save pollution," said the recommendations of the institute to the Maharashtra government, adding, "The use of waste plastic thus contributes to construction of green roads."
As per a survey conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board in 2015, the amount of plastic waste generated in 60 Indian cities is estimated to be over 15,300 tons per day while more than 6,100 tons remain uncollected as litter.
