The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it has approved the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles as an additive to enhance stability and extend the lifespan of asphalt-paved national roads.
The agency said this is in line with the 2024 initiative of using Low-Density Polythylene (LDPE) plastic bag waste in road construction.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan signed a Department Order on the standard specification for the use of another plastic waste material dubbed as Item 310 (19) or the bituminous concrete surface course with PET plastic bottle waste, hot-laid.
DPWH said the plastic waste mixture now forms part of the DPWH Standard Specification for Highways, Bridges, and Airports, Vollume II.
It added that this material is now included in the Department’s Project and Contract Management Application which will be used for future projects of DPWH Regional Offices, Unified Project Management Office Clusters, and District Engineering Offices nationwide.
“Turning waste into valuable resource for building better and more roads is the future of public infrastructure development in the country. The public can expect more of these policies as we vow to continue to fund for these construction innovations," Bonoan said.