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Warga Asri might often hear about recycling activities. Maybe Warga Asri even regularly sorts waste and sends it to the waste bank. But do you know what plastic waste can be turned into? Well, besides recycling plastic into various handicrafts, it turns out that plastic can also be used as a material for concrete and asphalt. How is that possible? Let’s find out by reading this article to the end!
Plastic Concrete & Ecobrick
Plastic waste can be processed into concrete blocks of impressive quality. This innovative plastic-based concrete is made from collected plastic waste, which is then shredded into small pieces. These plastic shreds are heated using a patented steam machine and then melted into blocks of specific sizes, each weighing 10 kg. Impressively, this method produces 41% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional block manufacturing.
Curious about the quality? These plastic-based concrete blocks are claimed to be resistant to cracking and breaking. Plastic concrete can be used to build retaining walls, soundproof walls, and storage facilities. In addition to being strong and environmentally friendly, this innovation also creates new jobs and improves infrastructure.
If plastic concrete sounds cool, wait until Warga Asri hears about ecobricks. These sturdy and relatively easy-to-make supports are made from plastic shreds packed tightly into plastic bottles. Of course, all materials for making ecobricks must be cleaned first. A collection of ecobricks can serve as strong supports, like table and chair legs. Warga Asri planning a home renovation might want to check out plastic concrete and ecobricks!
Read also: 7 Plastic Bottle Craft Inspirations You Can Make at Home
Plastic Asphalt
In addition to concrete, plastic also plays a role in asphalt innovations. Plastic asphalt technology is a mixture containing shredded plastic bags or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). This mixture enhances resistance to deformation and cracking.
Research by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) shows that adding low-value plastic waste like plastic bags can increase road stability by up to 40%. Moreover, using plastic waste as an asphalt mix can help better manage low-value plastic waste.
Garut Regency is one of the regions that has implemented plastic asphalt roads. This project resulted from a collaboration between Chandra Asri, the Bakti Barito Foundation, and the Garut Regency Government. Additionally, BSD City became the first township in Indonesia to utilize plastic asphalt. Warga Asri can also look into other locations where plastic asphalt has been implemented!
Isn’t it fascinating what can be achieved through plastic waste recycling? The start of all these innovations isn’t far from waste sorting. It makes us even more motivated to sort our waste!
Read also: How Conserving Energy Benefits Environment and Finance
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