Researchers from RMIT University in Australia are attempting to turn the waste from single use personal protective equipment (PPE) into material used in the construction of roads.

Combined with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), otherwise known as processed building waste, shredded single-use masks diverted from the landfill could potentially be used in the making of roadways, according to the RMIT team.

A sample of the recycled road-making material, which blends shredded single-use face masks with processed building rubble. Source: RMIT University

The team discovered that of the four layers that make up roads — subgrade, base, sub-base and asphalt — the ratio of 1% shredded masks and 99% RCA proved to strengthen the base layers during testing. The researchers determined that the mix performed well under stress tests and proved water resistant in the lab.

While the team created their mixture with unused PPE, they suggest that previously used masks could be quickly disinfected and sterilized via the microwave method, where the used masks are sprayed with an antiseptic solution and then microwaved for one minute.

PPE usage, which has emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased dramatically in the last year. As such, landfills are being overwhelmed with discarded single-use masks and plastic gloves, among other waste. In addition to diverting PPE waste from landfills to the lab for creating roadways, the RMIT team is also exploring the use of the material in concrete.

The research appears in the journal Science of the Total Environment.