Plastic Waste Management Practices

ABSTRACT: Plastic waste management has emerged as a critical global challenge due to the rapid increase in plastic consumption and its non-biodegradable nature, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social impacts. This study focuses on sustainable plastic waste management practices with particular emphasis on the utilization of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) waste in geotechnical applications for soil stabilization. The research integrates circular economy principles with engineering practices by converting waste plastic into a value-added construction material. Experimental investigations were conducted on black cotton soil mixed with varying plastic contents of 1%, 2%, and 3% to evaluate changes in engineering properties. The results indicate that the inclusion of plastic waste significantly improves soil performance, with the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) increasing from 2.63% to 6.3% and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) rising from 0.550 kg/cm² to 0.662 kg/cm² at optimum plastic content. Additionally, the Free Swell Index reduced from 63.33% to 33%, demonstrating enhanced soil stability and reduced expansion characteristics. The study also highlights environmental benefits such as reduced landfill accumulation, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and conservation of natural construction materials. Furthermore, global literature emphasizes the need for integrated waste management strategies, technological innovations, and policy reforms to address plastic pollution effectively. Overall, the research demonstrates that plastic waste utilization in soil stabilization offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible solution for infrastructure development. Keywords: Plastic Waste Management, Soil Stabilization, LDPE, Circular Economy, Black Cotton Soil, CBR, UCS, Sustainable Construction