Roads to be reconstructed with plastic from landfill as part of council trial
The Northern Beaches Council trial will use Plastiphalt products to reduce the heat from traditional black asphalt roads and help combat Australia’s recycling crisis.
Manly
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Two roads on the northern beaches will be reconstructed using plastic and other recyclable materials after councillors unanimously voted do carry out a trial.
It follows other local councils which have used similar Plastiphalt products to reduce the heat from traditional black asphalt roads and help combat Australia’s recycling crisis.
Northern Beaches councillor Pat Daley said the onglomerate Roads and Footpath Initiative is a step in the right direction.
“After China put a ban on taking Australia’s waste, we’ve had to step up and the northern beaches is doing its part,” he said.
“It means the roads will be a lot cooler and we will save energy. We have a wonderful and caring community who are good recyclers and we want to lead and set an example for Australia.
Mayor Michael Regan said “initial indications are very good”.
“It’s important to look at how we can reuse plastic waste and maximise diversion from landfill,” Mayor Regan said.
“It’s still early days. The first trial using Plastiphalt was completed only about 18 months ago in Victoria. Several councils have tried it so far and are satisfied with the product.”
The council said the new asphalt has the same appearance as traditionally used black asphalt and confirmed it will be funded by the current road resurfacing program.
While the trial is expected to kick off in December, it could take several years before experts can confirm the engineering benefits.
The council will closely monitor financial expense and any potential issues that could arise from microplastics entering the environment.
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