OVER THE PAST several weeks, local government units across the country have been calling for a halt in quarry operations in view of the massive floods that left scars of destruction on agriculture, livelihood and infrastructure.
Admittedly, aggregate products are deemed essential in the government’s infrastructure program — bridges, roads, schools, and hospitals among others were built using gravel and sand. However, the practice which dates back since time immemorial has its saturation point.
And even before blue rock deposits are completely depleted, the government should seriously consider the idea of finding — and institutionalizing a sustainable alternative — like plastic waste.
For one, plastics are lightweight, versatile, and abundantly available in rivers, creeks and drainage canals. Most of all, it’s free.
The utilization of plastic has become a necessary facet of our day-to-day lives, and its production has risen exponentially in the last 50 years. Simultaneous with the growth of the plastics industry is an increase in the generation of plastic waste.
Studies have shown that utilization of recycled plastic in concrete is an effective solution to enhance sound and thermal insulation. The aggregate comprises the largest and heaviest portion of concrete, which accounts for 85 percent of its weight.
Besides, the plastic has a low density compared to the aggregate. As a result, the use of plastic waste as a partial replacement (50 percent to 75 percent) for the total aggregate significantly boosts the efficiency of thermal and sound lightweight concrete insulation.
In addition, the cost of its manufacturing is drastically diminishing in comparison to that of ordinary concrete, and plastic can be installed and utilized quickly with less labor due to its lightweight nature.
Plastic waste may be considered a typical material for the production of lightweight green concrete that can be used as a non-structural component in building construction.
Reintroducing plastic waste into aggregate construction material doesn’t only address the country’s solid waste concerns as the idea may also turn out to be the turning point for LGUs calling for a cease in quarry operations.
