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ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF RECYCLED CONCRETE
In 2009, Illinois used an estimated 284,715 tons of recycled concrete material in highway construction; IDOT spent about $3.18 million on the material for embankments, bases, and subbasesIn Illinois, the innovative approach of repurposing aged concrete for highway projects is not just cost-effective but also environmentally ...- In 2011, CEQ, EPA and GSA launched a national electronics plan. 15 years later, 2.4 billion EPEAT products generated $24.6 billion in savings for buyers nationwide2011 strategy emerged at a time when computers, monitors, printers, mobile devices and other electronics were becoming increasingly importa...
- In 2020, Southwest University researchers treated rice husks with acid and burned them into ash; replacing 10% of cement with the ash increased compressive strength by 16.22% after 56 daysChinese researchers have found a way to strengthen cement using burnt rice husks. This agricultural waste, when treated and added, signific...
- In 2022, researchers studied sugarcane bagasse ash as a partial cement substitute; lower replacement levels showed better mechanical performance in concreteResearchers are investigating the potential of sugarcane bagasse ash as a sustainable alternative for concrete production. Rich in silica, ...
- In 2026, Texas engineers mixed 4.5 tons of waste plastic into nearly a mile of road; the recycled material replaced 8% to 10% of petroleum-based bitumenInnovative researchers are pioneering the use of recycled plastic to improve the durability of asphalt roads. By substituting a portion of ...
- In 2011, ICE Chicago relied on 1 recycling bin for 200 workers; a hybrid system of 4 centers and desk boxes raised recycling to 38% and participation to 85%The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Chicago Field Office enhanced its recycling program. They established four recycling centers a...
- In 2022, Duke students shredded and melted plastics 1, 2, 4 and 5 into bricks; a $248.84 setup produced blocks holding over 5,000 N in compression testsStudents at Duke University embarked on an innovative project, transforming everyday household plastic waste into strong building bricks. T...
- In 2023, researchers crushed discarded coconut shells into aggregate substitutes, replacing 10% of coarse aggregate produced 34.8 N/mm² concrete strengthCoconut shells offer a sustainable alternative to gravel in concrete construction. Studies show replacing ten percent of coarse aggregate w...
- A PhD student used shredded baby diapers in a prototype Indonesian house; 27% of its non-structural concrete blocks contained diaper waste, totaling about 3,700 poundsAn extraordinary house in Indonesia has creatively utilized nearly 3,700 pounds of discarded diapers. This unique construction method incor...
- In Massachusetts, Bar-Way Farm digests 36,500 tons of food waste and 9,125 tons of manure every year, producing enough electricity for 900 homesIn Deerfield, Massachusetts, Bar-Way Farm is leading the charge in renewable energy by harnessing food waste and cow manure to create elect...
- In 2007, Capannori rejected a new incinerator and embraced zero waste. 19 years later, its door-to-door system helped push recycling above 80% and inspire Italy’s movementCapannori, a town near Lucca in Tuscany, developed a Zero Waste approach after residents opposed a proposed incinerator. Rossano Ercolini a...
- In 1991, Curitiba began exchanging recyclables for bus tokens and food. 35 years later, the city recycles 70% of its waste while creating jobs and supporting familiesIn Curitiba, Brazil, residents can exchange recyclable waste for fresh food. Other cities have found different uses for what people throw a...
- In 1993, Taiwan collected 70% of its trash while recycling virtually none. 33 years later, paid bags, musical trucks and sorting helped drive recycling to 55% nationwideTaiwan’s experience therefore challenges the idea that recycling depends mainly on individual environmental enthusiasm. People certainly ne...
- Miami researchers tested concrete that replaced sand with leaded CRT glass; a biopolymer helped limit lead leaching before durability damage raised concernsResearchers explored using toxic CRT glass in concrete mixtures. This hazardous waste contains significant amounts of lead, posing environm...
- A 1994 study placed tire reefs in concrete canals in California and Arizona; invertebrate densities tripled, and fish densities rose 20-fold near reefsConcrete canals, while conserving water, harmed aquatic ecosystems. Researchers tested old tires to create habitats for canal wildlife. Inv...
- In 2024, researchers tested crushed waste concrete as a base for Chesapeake oyster reefs; oyster spat grew and survived with no detectable hydrocarbon leachingIn the Chesapeake Bay, recycled concrete rubble is proving to be a nursery for young oysters. Scientists have discovered that this crushed ...
- In a 2019 concrete study, replacing up to 30% of sand with waste tyre rubber increased impact resistance but reduced compressive strengthUtilizing discarded tyres in concrete significantly improves impact resistance. The incorporation of rubber allows structures to flex rathe...
- In a 2015 Deakin University study, crushed waste glass replaced 30% of concrete sand; after 28 days, the recycled mix was 6% stronger than conventional concreteAustralian researchers found that crushed glass strengthens concrete mixtures effectively. Replacing sand with up to thirty percent recycle...
- In an Australian study, waste glass replaced up to 60% of river sand in concrete; the recycled mix gained strength and resisted chloride penetrationEngineers in Australia have found that substituting sand with waste glass in concrete mixes can be beneficial. By using up to sixty percent...
- In 2021, RMIT tested shredded face masks with recycled concrete for road bases; 1 kilometer could use 3 million masks and divert 93 tonnes from landfillEngineers from Australia have introduced an innovative strategy for converting used face masks into construction materials for roads. This ...
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