DPWH 2-in-1 order: Recycle plastic bags, add to asphalt cement mix

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now allowing the use of shredded plastic bags to make longer-lasting national roads. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allowed using shredded plastic bags to make longer-lasting national roads.

Department Order No. 139, signed by Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Aug. 2, said all regional offices, district engineering offices, and unified project management office clusters can now utilize shredded plastic bag wastes in hot mix asphalt.

“The latest policy aims to promote the recycling of LDPE (low-density polyethylene) plastic bag waste by shredding and using it as an additive to reduce the susceptibility to permanent deformation of bituminous concrete surface course or asphalt concrete,” according to a news release on Saturday.

READ: Roads made of recycled plastic to be built soon in the PH

“This development is in line with the continuing efforts of the Department to support sustainable engineering and upgrade construction technology through [the] adoption of successful research studies.”

The order that prescribes the use of the recycled material passed tests and met standards set by the Bureau of Research and Standards, the DPWH said.