Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Plastic Waste Used to Build Roads in Jamshedpur
Imagine roads made partly of recycled plastic!
In Jamshedpur, they've been doing this since 2011.
This idea started in Chennai in 2004.
They mix plastic with stuff to make roads that last longer and need less fixing.
It's good because it uses up plastic trash.
However, there's a worry that the plastic in the roads could break down into tiny pieces and pollute the environment.
Despite the potential downsides, the new roads are better at handling the weather, and sound better too.
Jamshedpur is using plastic waste to build roads since 2011.
This initiative started in Chennai in 2004.
TSUSIL has constructed approximately 50 km of road using plastic and bitumen.
Challenges include segregating and cleaning plastic waste.
Plastic-bitumen roads offer benefits such as better wear resistance and reduced water absorption.
- Who
- TSUSIL manages the initiative in Jamshedpur.
- What
- Using plastic waste to build roads.
- When
- Initiative started in 2004 in Chennai; Jamshedpur started in 2011.
- Where
- Jamshedpur, with examples in other parts of the state.
- Why
- To get rid of plastic waste and potentially create more durable roads.
Opponents
Proponents
Environmental Impact
Opponents
Plastic roads can break down into microplastics which can pollute the soil and water, and can absorb other pollutants.
Proponents
Plastic-bitumen composite roads have better wear resistance, don't absorb water, and have better flexibility, leading to less need for repair.
- Location
- Jamshedpur, India
- Initiative Start
- 2004 (Chennai); 2011 (Jamshedpur)
- Main Material
- Plastic waste and bitumen
- Organization
- TSUSIL
- Road Length (approx.)
- 50 km (Jamshedpur)
- Benefits
- Better wear resistance, less water absorption
- Challenges
- Plastic segregation and cleaning