Tag: recycling

Recycled & Secondary Materials in the Construction of Roads

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By Kavita Dehalwar

The use of recycled and secondary materials in road construction has emerged as an essential practice for achieving sustainability in the infrastructure sector. These materials not only reduce the demand for natural resources but also mitigate environmental impacts by repurposing waste products. Below is a detailed examination of the topic, highlighting types of materials, benefits, challenges, and future directions.

1. Types of Recycled and Secondary Materials

Several recycled and secondary materials can be used in road construction, including:

  • Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Milled material from existing roads, used as a cost-effective substitute for virgin asphalt.
  • Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA): Crushed concrete from demolished structures, utilized in sub-base layers or as aggregate in new concrete.
  • Steel Slag: A byproduct of steel production, known for its strength and skid resistance, suitable for aggregates in base layers.
  • Crushed Glass (Glassphalt): Recycled glass incorporated into asphalt mixtures.
  • Rubberized Asphalt: Ground rubber from waste tires mixed with asphalt binders to enhance durability and flexibility.
  • Fly Ash and Bottom Ash: Byproducts of coal combustion, often used as fillers or stabilizers in subgrade soils.
  • Plastic Waste: Melted or shredded plastics incorporated into asphalt mixes to improve durability and resistance to cracking.

2. Benefits

  • Environmental Sustainability:
    • Reduces the need for virgin materials, conserving natural resources like aggregates and bitumen.
    • Diverts waste from landfills and reduces pollution.
    • Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the extraction and transportation of raw materials.
  • Economic Advantages:
    • Cost savings from using readily available waste materials.
    • Extended lifespan of roads due to enhanced properties of recycled materials (e.g., rubberized asphalt reduces cracking and maintenance needs).
  • Performance Improvements:
    • Some materials, such as steel slag and rubberized asphalt, improve road strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear.

3. Challenges

  • Material Quality and Consistency:
    Recycled materials can vary in composition and quality, leading to potential performance issues if not properly processed and tested.
  • Technical Limitations:
    • Compatibility of recycled materials with traditional road construction processes can be challenging.
    • Limited research on long-term durability for some innovative materials (e.g., recycled plastics).
  • Regulatory and Standardization Barriers:
    • Lack of universal standards and guidelines for incorporating recycled materials into road construction.
    • Hesitation among contractors and governments due to the perceived risks associated with new materials.
  • Economic Factors:
    • Initial costs of processing and testing recycled materials can be high.
    • In some regions, the availability of virgin materials at low cost reduces the economic incentive to use alternatives.

4. Case Studies

  • Rubberized Asphalt in the United States: States like California and Arizona have successfully used rubberized asphalt in highway projects, reducing waste tires and improving road durability.
  • Plastic Roads in India: Cities like Chennai have pioneered the use of shredded plastic in road asphalt, offering a sustainable solution to plastic waste while enhancing road performance.
  • Steel Slag Roads in Europe: Countries such as the Netherlands have utilized steel slag aggregates for base layers, demonstrating improved load-bearing capacity and lifespan.

5. Future Directions

  • Innovation in Material Processing:
    Advances in processing technologies can improve the quality and consistency of recycled materials, making them more viable for widespread use.
  • Lifecycle Analysis and Circular Economy:
    Conducting comprehensive lifecycle assessments to quantify the environmental and economic benefits of recycled materials will support their adoption.
  • Policy Support and Incentives:
    Governments can promote the use of recycled materials through subsidies, tax incentives, and mandatory quotas in public infrastructure projects.
  • Research and Development:
    Continued R&D into novel materials, such as bio-based binders and composite materials, can provide sustainable alternatives to traditional road construction inputs.

Conclusion

Incorporating recycled and secondary materials in road construction is a promising pathway to sustainable infrastructure development. While challenges exist, ongoing advancements in technology, coupled with supportive policies, can pave the way for broader adoption. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to economic efficiency and enhanced road performance, making it a win-win solution for modern societies.

References

Kassim, T. A., Simoneit, B. R., & Williamson, K. J. (2005). Recycling solid wastes as road construction materials: An environmentally sustainable approach. Water Pollution: Environmental Impact Assessment of Recycled Wastes on Surface and Ground Waters, 59-181.

Marinković, M., Zavadskas, E. K., Matić, B., Jovanović, S., Das, D. K., & Sremac, S. (2022). Application of wasted and recycled materials for production of stabilized layers of road structures. Buildings, 12(5), 552.

Nunes, M. C. M., Bridges, M. G., & Dawson, A. R. (1996). Assessment of secondary materials for pavement construction: Technical and environmental aspects. Waste Management, 16(1-3), 87-96.

Petkovic, G., Engelsen, C. J., Håøya, A. O., & Breedveld, G. (2004). Environmental impact from the use of recycled materials in road construction: method for decision-making in Norway. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 42(3), 249-264.

Sharma, S. N., Prajapati, R., Jaiswal, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024, June). A Comparative Study of the Applications and Prospects of Self-healing Concrete/Biocrete and Self-Sensing Concrete. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1326, No. 1, p. 012090). IOP Publishing.

Sharma, S. N., Lodhi, A. S., Dehalwar, K., & Jaiswal, A. (2024, June). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Recycled & Secondary Materials in the Construction of Roads. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1326, No. 1, p. 012102). IOP Publishing.

Workspace beautification initiatives at Shastri Bhavan

Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, inaugurated a series of initiatives implemented by the Department under Special Campaign 4.0 on 28.10.2024 including a revamped garden space at Shastri Bhavan. These initiatives include the installation of eco-friendly recycled plastic benches and rejuvenation of the garden area, adornment of walls with paintings etc. undertaken in collaboration with Bisleri International under its CSR Programme.

The garden area at Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi now dons a completely revamped, green and pleasant look. The entire garden patch has been uplifted by putting grass cover, placement of lights with covers made from recycled plastic, repairing and painting of tree guards and setting up of circular sitting areas around trees carved from recycled plastic.

During the event, Shri Sanjay Kumar also explored new initiatives within the building where the traditional furniture in the common sitting areas for visitors has been replaced with sustainable benches and tables crafted from recycled plastic. These benches not only providing good utility but also catching the attention of one and all with serene colour and striking message which reads, ‘Bench made from recycled plastic’. These benches also feature paintings by Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). Further enhancing the eco-friendly environment, rows of potted plants have been placed throughout corridors and common areas. It is intended that these natural additions, purify the air and provide a calming ambience at the workplace.

The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of vibrant corridors adorned with paintings by MFPA. The paintings not only enhance the ambience but also add a spirit of inclusivity.

At the Ministry’s Conference hall, beautiful artwork has been placed showcasing the Indian Institute of Science and Banaras Hindu University skilfully painted by artists from National Bal Bhavan. The conference hall also has exhibits of vibrant photographs capturing the spirit of school education from schools across the country. These inspiring images embody the Department’s mission to make quality education accessible to every child.

Aligned with the goals of Special Campaign 4.0, these initiatives highlight the importance of cleanliness, waste reduction and recycling while serving as an educational tool to promote environmental responsibility.

DoSEL is also proud to share the remarkable success of Special Campaign 4.0. So, far 32,037 cleanliness campaigns have been conducted by schools and institutions nationwide. The enthusiastic participation of these institutions is setting a strong example, furthering the message of Swachhata and inspiring others to take action.

As of 29.10.2024, the following milestones have been achieved:

  • Imparting of environmentally friendly practices to students, following the 3 R formula: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Students are also taught to create arts and craft from waste materials and design functional pieces from salvaged items.
  • 1,44,338 sq. feet of space has been freed up and put to productive alternative use.
  • Out of 61,100 physical files identified for review, all have been examined. So far, 40,106 files have been marked for weeding, with 38,997 already weeded out.

The enthusiastic participation of institutions and schools in Special Campaign 4.0 is significantly contributing to the promotion of Swachhata and environmental sustainability.

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Battery Recycling in India

Growth of Batteries:

Electronics are indisputably ruling the world. Right from the intractable mobile phones in our hands , to the versatile appliances that cook up our sustenance in the kitchen, the influence of electronics in our day to day lives is inexorable. Initially these devices were powered directly with AC power supply . As technology improved , people expected things to be handy so that they can carry them wherever they go. This is where the batteries came as a lifesaver. Although initially the batteries were huge in size and expensive , due to exploration of various chemistries they substantially got better. 

A Bloomberg report says that battery prices have been reduced by 88% in the last decade. They have always predicted that battery prices would fall to $100 per KWh by the year 2024. This indicates that the usage of batteries will increase at a rapid phase in the upcoming years.

Batteries a boon or bane?

When there are numerous advantages involved in an invention , it will forsure have its downside. Batteries were never an exception. Although the life of batteries has increased over the years , it will degrade after a certain period of time. Have you ever wondered where these batteries end up after their degradation? They end up in land and water bodies and contaminate their natural state. As a result of this the organisms living in the land and water ecosystem are subjected to hazardous chemicals which are causing reversible and irreversible effects on their heath. The dumping of batteries in an improper manner will also lead to global warming and depletion of groundwater levels. This Proves that batteries are definitely a bane if they are not properly disposed of.

Currently there are 250,000 EVs on the road in India which clearly states the amount of batteries that will reach its end of life by the year 2027-2028. Apart from these there are tons of batteries used in day to day devices we use. Imagine the effects on our country if these batteries are not properly disposed of. 

Every problem has its solution:

Problems lead us to ways of alternative thinking. One significant way to make the situation better is to recycle the batteries. But the percentage of batteries recycled is comparatively low. Indian government is significantly planning to recycle lithium ion batteries and are also offering support to companies which involve proper recycling of batteries. Tata chemicals have initiated battery recycling process in the year july 2019 with a smaller quantity of 100 kgs and now has expanded its capability to tonnes per month. They are also planning to enlarge their factories to facilitate recycling in a battery way.

Startups which are recycling batteries in India:

Even though some of the corporate ventures are showing interest in recycling batteries , some startups are really trying their level best to recycle the lithium ion batteries. This is a daring attempt and it must be appreciated in every possible way. Some of the startups which recycle batteries in India are as follows:

  • Lohum Cleantech.
  • Ziptrax Cleantech
  • Nunam batteries.
  • Ebikego

There are many other startups working behind the curtains to recycle and reuse the Lithium Ion Batteries. As consumers we have the responsibility of supporting these firms by providing them with batteries after their degradation and promoting the usage of recycled batteries.

https://gsiwaste.com/battery-recycling-is-important-for-environmental-health/

https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/12/battery-prices-have-fallen-88-percent-over-the-last-decade/