In Pokhara, Nepal, roads are being constructed using an eco-friendly asphalt that incorporates plastic waste, marking a significant step in reducing pollution. With urban areas generating around 4,900 tons of solid waste daily, youth entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to tackle plastic pollution. This innovative method not only lowers costs but also enhances road durability. Pilot projects are set to launch in Kathmandu, although further government support and research are needed for broader implementation.
In the vibrant streets of Pokhara, located in central Nepal, certain roads are being constructed with an innovative twist—they’re made with a greener form of asphalt that incorporates plastic waste. This initiative represents a small but significant stride towards combating pollution in the region.
The World Bank reports that urban areas in Nepal generate approximately 4,900 tons of solid waste daily, with a troubling 13% of this waste being plastic that ultimately finds its way to landfills.
While high-value plastics, like bottles, are often recycled, many others, such as multilayer containers, present recycling challenges.
Entrepreneurs among the youth in Nepal have identified a unique business opportunity, allowing them to actively participate in the global fight against plastic pollution, which threatens our oceans, soils, and even human health.
Bimal Bastola, the founder of Green Road Waste Management, sheds light on this innovative approach: “A plastic road can utilize even low-value plastics,” he explains, highlighting the potential of these materials as substitutes for traditional asphalt.
At their sorting center, discarded packets of noodles, biscuits, and other snacks are sent down a conveyor belt, where they are transformed into small shreds, resembling confetti.
Since the early 2000s, India has taken the lead in implementing similar initiatives.
– Cost-Effective Solutions –
In 2015, India’s government mandated the inclusion of plastic waste in road construction within a 50 km radius of cities, encouraging the adoption of this sustainable practice.
Other countries in South Asia, such as Bhutan and Bangladesh, are also exploring this innovative technique.
Traditionally, asphalt for road construction is created by heating a mixture of gravel and asphalt to temperatures of 160 degrees Celsius. In Nepal and other regions, this process is adapted to replace gravel with plastic aggregates.
For instance, constructing one kilometer of a road that is 3.75 meters wide and 30 centimeters thick requires approximately 2 tons of plastic.
“This method not only reduces the demand for new raw materials and costs, but it also results in roads that are more resilient to water damage and possess a longer lifespan,” states Mr. Bastola.
Studies indicate that these plastic-infused roads can last twice as long as conventional pavements.
Globally, a mere 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 19% is incinerated, and almost half is discarded in landfills, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The production of synthetic polymers—the foundational elements of plastics—has surged, tripling from 2000 to 2019 to reach 460 million tons. If current trends continue, this production could triple again by 2060, warns the OECD.
Unfortunately, plastic waste is not biodegradable; it can take centuries to decompose, fragmenting into tiny particles that infiltrate ecosystems and food chains.
– Upcoming Pilot Projects –
For Mr. Bastola, promoting plastic roads is crucial to making the recycling of low-value plastics economically viable. So far, his company has managed to pave just over 1.5 kilometers of roads using this method.
“This is merely a starting point; we need to expand our efforts,” he asserts. “Government-level projects must be initiated.”
A pilot project is set to commence this year in Kathmandu at a busy intersection.
“Nepal is eager to experiment with this technology through pilot projects, but to scale up, we need government standards to ensure quality,” explains Arjun Nepal, an engineer with the road department in Kathmandu.
However, the World Bank remains cautiously optimistic.
“While the initial projects are promising, additional studies are necessary to evaluate CO2 emissions during road construction and to monitor road conditions once they are no longer in use,” states Valerie Hickey, head of climate change initiatives.
Despite these concerns, Nepali environmental advocate Bhushan Tuladhar sees immense potential for his nation.
“For a developing country like Nepal, this represents a straightforward solution that addresses two pressing issues: the urgent need for durable roads and effective plastic waste management.”
In 2021, Nepal imposed a ban on plastic bags thinner than 40 microns, although enforcement of this regulation has been lax.