Cost Effective Analysis of Recycled Products for Use in Highway Construction

摘要

Over 4.5 billion of non-hazardous wastes are generated in the United States each211u001eyear. Out of these wastes over 200 million tons of post consumer waste is 211u001egenerated. The disposal of post consumer waste is the responsibility of 211u001emunicipality and society. Four waste materials glass, plastic, rubber tires and 211u001epaper and paperboard were selected for the detail study. A questionnaire survey 211u001ewas conducted for obtaining input from all state Department of Transportation 211u001e(DOT), Recyclers and solid waste management facilities in the state of Ohio. 211u001eResponses received from state DOT stated that they use various recycled materials 211u001ein highway construction but do not conduct cost-effectiveness analysis of recycle 211u001ewaste materials. The cost of disposal of post consumer waste is increasing, which 211u001erequires an alternate use for these waste materials. One possible use of these 211u001epost consumer waste materials is in highway construction. An economic analysis is 211u001eneeded for their cost-effectiveness before using these materials in highway 211u001econstruction. Though these recycled waste manterials are expensive compared to 211u001evirgin material, but consideration of the savings in terms of societal cost make 211u001ethese materials become cost-effective and attractive to use in highway 211u001econstruction.