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Infusing asphalt with plastic could help roads last longer and resist cracking under heat
(theconversation.com)
this post was submitted on 10 Feb 2026
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So we shred it to tiny particles and that’s that? Hmm
It’s already shredding naturally. At least this process contains it for longer than it otherwise would, potentially reduces more shedding from tires, and gives it some purposeful existence while we come up with better ideas.
Better than just letting it rot somewhere, right? At least, that’s my take. Maybe it’s wrong, but it’s not the worst idea I’ve ever heard.
Mixing it with a binder, effectively embedding it into a semi buried rock a seems like a slightly safer option than letting it sit out in the sun to be broken down by UV.
Who is leaving it in the sun? It's supposed to be capped off at a landfill. Where it is sequestered to some degree. Any other use liberates the thousands of virtually unregulated additives, and the microplastics themselves.
Not sure there are any “safe” options tbh but I’d rather it serve some purpose if it’s just going to break down either way, for sure.
and what are the odds that whatever company that is contracted to do the work does not use recycled plastic and instead shreds new plastic, because it is cheaper.
I guess that’s up to whatever process is used by municipalities to decide between vendors, and would encourage you to persuade your local government not to do this should they consider this strategy.
I dunno man. There are no perfect solutions for dealing with plastic waste at the moment. Until we have one, there are worse ways to go about handling it.
you're right. i was just letting my doomerism run rampant on lemmy for a minute.
No worries I get it, that’s all too easy to do nowadays lol
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