Economic Feasibility Assessment of Plastic Waste Recycling in Road Construction

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to determine the economic feasibility of using plastic waste in asphalt pavement construction in Ukraine based on an analysis of domestic and international experience, as well as economic efficiency calculations that account for the impact of plastic additives on pavement performance, durability, life-cycle costs, and the environmental benefits associated with plastic waste recycling. Methodology. The study is based on the application of the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) method using the World Bank model, in which the effectiveness ratio is measured through the present value of costs per kilometer of constructed road. A scenario-based analysis was conducted to compare two alternative approaches to the construction of 1 km of highway pavement: (1) a conventional flexible asphalt pavement technology and (2) a technology involving the dry-process incorporation of recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with a 10% bitumen replacement rate. Calculations were performed using established assumptions, constraints, and Ukrainian cost data for a 20-year pavement life cycle, taking into account discounted expenditures on materials, routine maintenance, overlay works, and environmental costs associated with CO₂ emissions. A sensitivity analysis was also carried out to assess the influence of key economic parameters on the results. Findings. The results indicate that the use of recycled plastic in asphalt pavements reduces the present value of total life-cycle costs by approximately 21% compared with the conventional technology. The main economic benefits are achieved through reduced bitumen consumption, extended maintenance intervals, and a lower frequency of routine maintenance interventions. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the technology remains economically viable even when implementation costs increase by up to 28%. Originality. The study provides an assessment of the economic feasibility of incorporating plastic waste into asphalt pavements under Ukrainian conditions through the application of a scenario-based CEA approach. Practical value. The proposed methodology, adapted to Ukrainian conditions, and the obtained results can be used to support investment decision-making regarding the implementation of plastic waste recycling technologies in the road sector.