Kansas City is taking a bold step toward sustainability and innovation by launching the 鈥淭rash to Roads鈥� Pilot Program, a groundbreaking initiative that turns waste materials into durable infrastructure. This initiative, a collaboration with the University of Missouri, LiveGreenUSA, and JM Fahey Construction, positions Kansas City as a leader in developing circular economy solutions while enhancing the city鈥檚 roads.
As part of the pilot program, small portions of select neighborhood roads will be repaved using advanced materials derived from recycled waste, such as tires and plastics. The goal is to explore new technologies that not only divert waste from landfills but also create longer-lasting roads that reduce maintenance costs and strengthen the resilience of supply chains.
The program will test three different asphalt mixes, each containing a 0.5% additive of either recycled tires, plastics, or a combination of both. Under heat and stress, these polymers are expected to bind together, reducing rutting and cracking. The project is modeled after successful implementations in other parts of the country, including a similar program in Columbia, Missouri.
鈥淜ansas City is striving to be a sandbox of innovation for solving our City鈥檚 most complex problems,鈥澛爏aid City Manager Brian Platt.聽鈥淭his program has the potential to reduce the cost of maintaining our infrastructure while diverting waste from landfills, all while reducing the harmful effects of both on the environment.鈥�
By integrating waste materials into road construction, the Trash to Roads Pilot Program is a significant step forward in reducing the city鈥檚 environmental footprint while contributing to the long-term durability of its infrastructure. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been energizing to see that Kansas City has aided in such a multi-spectral approach in a pilot program, and we鈥檙e proud to help lead this effort,鈥� said Olivia English, founder of LiveGreenUSA.聽鈥淭rying multiple mix designs supports different recycling efforts while allowing us to really study these benefits firsthand. It鈥檚 more than just repaving a road鈥攊t鈥檚 about bringing together different industry leaders and trying something new. When we open the door to more than one solution, we can drive demand for recycling efforts and can expedite our mission of improving our infrastructure.鈥�
Trash to Roads Key Points:
- Collaboration with the University of Missouri, LiveGreenUSA, and JM Fahey Construction.
- Three asphalt mixes tested: recycled tires, plastics, and a combination of both.
- Goal: Divert waste from landfills, extend road life, and reduce maintenance needs.
- Part of a broader effort to create circular economy solutions and strengthen supply chains.
The Trash to Roads initiative is one of many efforts by Kansas City to build a sustainable future and foster innovation that benefits both residents and the environment. The City will continue to evaluate the program鈥檚 outcomes and explore opportunities to expand its use of recycled materials in infrastructure projects.