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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

LA's plastic waste could have a new use in city streets

photocallenge.org, 2009 challenge, 57/365, theme: asphalt
A close up of a road with yellow lane divider lines.
(
Photo by matt/imageme via Flickr Creative Commons
)

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LA's plastic waste could have a new use in city streets

LA's plastic waste could soon be put to use in the pavement of the city's streets. City Council is considering a pilot program to test the idea.

Asphalt is made of gravel held together with petroleum. The pilot would replace the petroleum with a binder made of melted down plastic waste.

The technology has been used in other countries such as India and Australia. The first test of plastic in asphalt was done at UC San Diego in 2018.

The final City Council vote on L-A's pilot is expected in the coming weeks.

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