Utilization of Recycled Plastic and C&D Waste in Manufacturing Sustainable Paver Blocks

Objective: To design, fabricate, and validate innovative paver blocks incorporating recycled plastic and construction-demolition (C&D) waste to enhance sustainability and reduce landfill burden in Indian urban infrastructure.

Problem: Unmanaged plastic waste and construction-demolition debris are major environmental challenges in India, leading to landfill saturation, pollution, and resource wastage, particularly affecting urban local bodies and municipalities struggling with waste management and infrastructure demands.

Solution: This project proposes a practical engineering solution by developing paver blocks that partially replace natural aggregates with shredded waste plastic and processed C&D waste, thereby diverting waste from landfills and introducing sustainable materials into mainstream construction.

Deliverables: The group will conduct material characterization, mix design optimization, cost analysis, and mechanical property testing as per IS 15658. A batch of prototype paver blocks will be fabricated in the lab and evaluated for compressive strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance, and visual quality. A comparative cost-benefit analysis with conventional pavers will be presented, culminating in a working model and live demonstration.

Impact: This scalable approach addresses urban waste issues, reduces dependence on virgin aggregates, and offers municipalities and contractors an eco-friendly alternative for pedestrian walkways and parking areas, with potential for broader adoption in smart city and Swachh Bharat initiatives.