Recycling empty plastic bottles might seem humdrum when you’re tossing them into that blue bin, but what they can become after that might surprise you.
Earth911 and the International Bottled Water Association are working together to show that the possibilities for recycled plastic bottles are endless and often far from ordinary.
Editor’s Note: Earth911 partners with many industries, manufacturers and organizations to support its Recycling Directory, the largest in the nation, which is provided to consumers at no cost. IBWA is one of these partners.
Homepage Photo: Water bottles, Shutterstock
Bridge
Last year, in Peeblesshire, Scotland, British company Vertech Composites wrapped up construction on the world’s longest bridge made out of plastic bottles and other household plastic waste. At 90 feet long, the bridge can support up to 44 tons of pedestrians, cars and vehicles carrying heavy goods.
The recycled composite plastic used to build the bridge has benefits beyond keeping materials out of the landfill, the company said.
Vertech CEO William Mainwaring told CNN that the material, developed by researchers at Rutgers University, has a longer lifetime than conventional construction materials like steel, timber and concrete.
“This technology creates enhanced stiffness and strength that is ideal for structures like a bridge,” he said.
Watch: Plastic Bottles Recycled into Salad Boxes
SEE: How Cell Phones Are Recycled
Lose the Excuse, Get Your Eco-Project Done