Incorporating Recycled Plastic into Asphalt Field Trials Throughout the State of Victoria

OBJECTIVES

To to create clear guidelines for using recycled plastic in asphalt roads across Victoria

Test and monitor the strength, durability, and safety of recycled plastic asphalt mixes in real-world road conditions

Share project findings to help councils, contractors, and recyclers use recycled plastic in road construction nationwide

Team

Filippo Giustozzi

Lead Researcher

Partners

Austroads

10 Victorian Local Councils

Progress

SUMMARY

This project brings together RMIT University, Austroads, and ten Victorian councils to test asphalt mixes containing recycled plastic. The project aims to create practical guidelines for using recycled plastic in road construction by building, monitoring, and analysing roads across Victoria. Construction on trial roads began in February 2024 and finished in June 2024. Initial road condition checks—including tests for rutting, cracking, and roughness—were completed in July 2024, with support from NTRO and councils. Lab testing on road samples is around 60% complete, with more testing planned once the lab reopens at RMIT’s Bundoora campus.

OPPORTUNITIES

Testing could lead to new national standards for recycled plastic in road construction

Results may unlock new funding and research partnerships with councils, government bodies, and industry

Speaking events and media coverage are raising awareness of recycled plastic asphalt, opening doors for broader adoption

AS SEEN AT

National Road and Traffic Expo 2024

Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) conference – Presentation

AS SEEN IN

Multiple media outlets, 2023 “New roads mixed with recycled plastics at 10 sites across Victoria will demonstrate a viable circular-economy solution to the nation, experts say”