Plastic Alternatives to Asphalt Paving

Plastic Grid System

• A plastic grid system uses a network of connected cylindrical shapes for forming a continual mesh. Workers lay the plastic grid down on a leveled ground base. Afterward, workers fill the open cylinder mesh with rock or gravel aggregate depending upon the local roadway regulations. The plastic mesh allows water drainage through the roadway, preventing puddles across the surface. In addition, the mesh creates a sturdy roadway capable of retaining vehicle and foot traffic, without the need for large amounts of petroleum-based asphalt paving.

Plastic Pellets

• Another plastic alternative is pellets. Recycled plastic is a versatile product, changing into almost any form by melting down the material. Numerous states have added plastic pellets into their aggregate mixture for paving statewide roadways. According to the Rural Conservation Alliance, 7 percent of an aggregate's volume is plastic pellets. The plastic adds more stability to the aggregate mixture, as well as providing a slight porous texture for water runoff.

Plastic Pavers

• A decorative plastic alternative to asphalt paving is plastic pavers. Common pavers are small, flattened stones that are laid like brick along a roadway's ground surface. Pavers are typically used instead of large concrete slabs since they have fewer cracking tendencies over time. Plastic pavers offer the same cracking resistance, comprised of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In fact, the plastic paver's appearance can mimic stone or concrete for a natural look.

Environmental Concerns

• Using plastics within roadways helps lessen the plastic volume in landfills. Unfortunately, a lot of plastic is not recycled, eventually crowding landfills. As demand for plastic alternatives grows, waste management companies can redirect plastic items from their processing facilities to local plastic recycling establishments.