South Sioux City uses 2 million recycled plastic bags for road paving

South Sioux City, Nebraska, implemented a pilot project in June 2025 using approximately 2 million recycled plastic bags to pave a 1,220-meter section of Foundry Road. The mixture incorporated shredded plastic along with 25% recycled asphalt pavement. The initiative, which also included an extension of the Al Bengtson bike path, was supported by a $500,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

According to a 2026 technical report and feasibility study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the use of low-density polyethylene showed improved resistance to moisture and deformation, such as rutting, in laboratory tests. The plastic supply was split between Goodwill of the Great Plains and First Star Recycling, each providing roughly one million bags.

While preliminary results are positive, researchers noted that long-term durability under real-world conditions and extreme Nebraska weather remains to be seen. Additionally, further analysis is required regarding the potential environmental implications, such as microplastic release.