Potential Applications of Different Forms of Recycled Plastics as Construction Materials—A Review

The issue of waste plastic generation is a pressing global concern with several significant environmental, economic, and health implications. Various studies have explored the utilization of recycled plastics in construction, yet there is a notable gap in providing a comprehensive overview of recyclable plastic types, suitable recycling methodologies, and the range of products tailored to specific applications. Thus, the aim of the current literature review was to achieve a thorough review of the literature on the current use of recycled plastic as a construction material and its possible future applications. This was attained by targeting the highly reputable journals articles published during the last decade. Studies show the convenient recycling of thermoplastics due to their reversible nature. However, their durability and resistance to temperature are still points of concern. Recycled plastics are commonly used as replacements for aggregates in the manufacturing of cementitious composites as part of various research investigations. Efforts to tackle the issue of plastic waste include improving recycling infrastructure and encouraging the development of alternative materials.