Transforming municipal solid wastes with plastics for constructing roads 

Presentation by Associate Professor Dilan Robert (RMIT University)

Abstract

Traditional building and road construction rely heavily on resource-intensive mining, resulting in material shortages and the consumption of high energy, which contributes to elevated carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, Australia generates over 14 millions of tons of municipal solid wastes (MSW) every year. Recognizing the gravity of these issues, innovative recycling strategies have emerged, involving the incorporation of MSW ash (from paper, wood and plastics) into fired clay bricks, tiles and roads. While the products manufactured from recycled wastes have satisfied the relevant compliance requirements, they outperform the conventional products in saving energy and manufacturing costs. We are currently focused on scaling up the production process to facilitate the commercialization of our innovative recycled waste emended construction products.