In response to requests from Congress, this study will identify domestic and international examples of transportation and non-transportation infrastructure projects that have used recycled plastic materials. Based on an examination of these projects and a review of other relevant research and sources of information, the study committee will review and assess:
• the effectiveness and utility of the uses of plastics waste in infrastructure, including when it is incorporated into the asphalt mixes of pavements and other materials used in transportation and non-transportation infrastructure;
• the extent to which plastics waste materials are consistent with recognized specifications and standards for asphalt and other infrastructure of different types and that are subject to different service levels and performance demands (e.g., strength, maintainability, service life, ride quality);
• the health, safety, and environmental impacts of plastics waste on humans and animals when used in transportation and non-transportation infrastructure;
• the ability of infrastructure containing plastics waste to withstand worsening natural disasters, extreme weather events, and other hazards;
• any other relevant impacts of plastics waste materials when used in asphalt and other transportation and non-transportation infrastructure; and,
• new material applications that could lead to the greater utilization of waste plastics in infrastructure and any potential economic advantage of using plastics waste in infrastructure.
On the basis of this assessment, the committee will identify opportunities for repurposing plastics waste in infrastructure and the characteristics and qualities of the waste streams needed to enable cost-effective and safe applications that provide acceptable service and environmental performance when considered on a life-cycle basis. The study will consider options for better connecting the product design with end-of-use stages of the plastic life cycle, including new polymer options and approaches that reduce the impacts of plastics that enter the environment and that improve recycling of plastics through mechanical and chemical methods. In doing so, consideration will be given to the life cycle impacts from repurposing plastics waste, including on greenhouse gas emissions and to the potential for infrastructure containing plastics in material to perform effectively under changing climate and environmental conditions. The committee may make recommendations, as appropriate, on additional research and demonstrations needed for the repurposing of plastics waste in infrastructure and on policy options for furthering understanding and use of these materials in infrastructure.
Informed by this assessment, the committee will take a longer-term view by considering how plastic recycling processes and upstream plastics manufacturing and product uses can be made more compatible with the recycling and repurposing of plastics waste for infrastructure. The committee may choose to make research and policy recommendations with respect to these issues as appropriate.