Review on E-Waste Plastics in Construction: A Circular Economy Solution
摘要
Electronic waste (e-waste) has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, creating critical environmental and resource management challenges. Plastics, which make up approximately 20% of e-waste, present a significant opportunity for integration into construction materials, aligning with circular economy principles. This review explores the potential of e-waste plastics to serve as sustainable construction materials, highlighting current research, technological advancements, and practical applications in the field. E-waste plastics have been effectively utilized in various construction applications, such as concrete composites, polymer-modified materials, and insulation products, where they act as partial substitutes for conventional materials or introduce novel functionalities. Studies reveal that incorporating e-waste plastics at replacement rates of 10–20% by volume in concrete can enhance critical properties, including thermal insulation, reduced density, and improved ductility. Beyond concrete, applications extend to polymer-modified bitumen, plastic lumber and composite panels. These innovations contribute to environmental benefits, such as decreased landfill waste, reduced carbon emissions, and conservation of finite natural resources, while also offering economic advantages through lower material costs and new revenue opportunities in waste management. There are several challenges persist, including technical issues related to material heterogeneity, contamination, and quality control, as well as regulatory and market barriers. Addressing these challenges requires advancements in sorting and processing technologies, the development of durable materials, and supportive policy frameworks, including standardized guidelines and incentives for adoption. This review emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts across research, policy, and industry to realize the full potential of e-waste plastics in construction. By overcoming existing barriers, e-waste plastics can serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials, fostering a more resilient and environmentally friendly built environment while addressing global waste management challenges.