DPWH to Use Plastic Bottles in Road Projects
DPWH – The Department of Public Works and Highways has announced a new initiative to use plastic bottles in building national roads across the country.
According to the agency, it has approved the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles as an additive in asphalt mix. This material will help improve the strength and durability of roads, making them last longer and more resistant to damage.
This innovation is now officially included in the DPWH’s Standard Specifications for Highways, Bridges, and Airports Volume II and is also part of the agency’s Project and Contract Management Application. The department believes that using plastic waste in road construction is a sustainable solution to the country’s growing plastic pollution problem.
Previously, in 2024, the DPWH also approved the use of low-density polyethylene plastic bag waste in road projects. These efforts are part of a broader push to turn waste into valuable materials for infrastructure development.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan emphasized that using recycled plastic for roads is a forward-thinking step toward better and more sustainable public infrastructure. He assured the public that more policies and funding will follow to support similar innovations in future construction projects.
“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 innovation,” Bonoan said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is a national government agency responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of major public infrastructure. This includes national roads, bridges, flood control systems, and government buildings. The agency plays a vital role in improving transportation networks, enhancing disaster resilience, and supporting economic development across the country. Through its various projects, the DPWH aims to provide safe, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of the Filipino people and contributes to national progress.