Tennessee lawmaker introduces bill to evaluate recycled plastic asphalt mixtures

A Tennessee lawmaker has introduced legislation that would create a program to evaluate the potential use of recycled plastics in asphalt.

As reported by WZTV, Rep. Tim Burchett introduced the bill H.R. 9204, or the Recycled Plastic in Asphalt Act, which aims to develop a research program by the U.S. Department of Transportation to evaluate the use of recycled plastic-modified asphalt mixtures and provide an annual report.

According to a release about the bill from Burchett, “Early data indicates this asphalt could increase roadway life and performance while providing another use for plastics that may otherwise end up in landfill.”

Burchett adds, “If we want to take care of our environment, we need to rely on more innovative green solutions than just wind and solar. Studying the real-world use of RPM [recycled pavement material] asphalt will take us a step closer to building a cleaner infrastructure and a cleaner future.”