HDMC Turns Plastic Waste into Durable Roads in Green Innovation Drive
Hubballi: In a pioneering step toward eco-friendly urban development, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has launched a model project that converts single-use plastic waste into road-building material—merging sustainability with infrastructure progress.
As part of a pilot initiative, plastic waste collected from households is now being used to pave asphalt roads in Lingarajnagar. The initiative not only curbs plastic pollution but also enhances the lifespan and strength of city roads.
The process begins at the compactor station, where plastic waste is separated from daily garbage. Suitable plastics are shredded into fine pieces and delivered to the asphalt plant, where they’re blended with gravel and tar. Around 8% of traditional bitumen is substituted with shredded plastic, offering resistance to water damage, wear, and potholes.
This method significantly reduces road maintenance costs, saving up to ₹1.5 lakh per kilometer. Apart from the economic benefit, these roads are also more durable and resilient in the face of climatic stress.
HDMC Commissioner emphasized that this success story marks the beginning of a broader adoption plan. All future roads constructed under the civic body’s jurisdiction will incorporate plastic waste to support both cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility.
“Plastic that once clogged drains and littered streets is now strengthening the very roads we walk on,” the Commissioner noted. “Hubballi-Dharwad is setting a benchmark for sustainable city planning.”
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