This research, a collaboration of Western Australian Road Research Innovation Program (WARRIP) and the National Asset Centre of Excellence (NACOE) in Queensland, was dedicated to gaining a full understanding of how best to use recycled and reclaimed plastics in road infrastructure without adversely affecting workplace health and safety or environmental outcomes. 

This project objectives, outlined in this webinar and slides, was to define which waste recycled plastics can be used for which applications. It targeted problem waste streams, in so doing helped to produce fully functioning road infrastructure with properties at least the same or better than the non-recycled plastic containing alternatives. 

No consistent holistic assessment methodology or standard has been developed to assess these products. Guidelines and standards for the use of recycled waste plastic materials in pavements will enable greater use of recycled materials in road infrastructure without adversely affecting service life, user safety, connectivity-enabling ability, workplace health and safety (WHS) and environmental impact. 

This March 2024 NACOE & WARRIP Safety and sustainability of recycled plastic in road infrastructure webinar and video delves into the findings of a laboratory program established to investigate the health, safety, and environmental impacts of using recycled plastics as modifiers for bitumen and asphalt, including the: 

1. Fuming and emissions associated with incorporating recycled plastics. 
2. Potential risks of microplastics. 
3. Leaching potential of recycled plastics in infrastructure applications. 

You’ll also findings summarised in this factsheet on plastics in road infrastructure. 

This webinar will provide valuable insights for: 

1. Engineers and infrastructure professionals 
2. Policymakers and regulators   
3. Researchers and academics