Title: Applications of electronic waste and plastic waste along with RCA in the construction sector: a critical review

Authors: Kavita Rani; Kasilingam Senthil; Amardeep Boora

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab-144027, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab-144027, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat-173234, India

Abstract: Growing demand of electronic goods and plastics waste, effective waste management solution for the future becomes more crucial. A systematic analysis is carried out to assess how electronic waste, recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and plastic waste influence the construction sector. E-waste and plastic waste may be utilised on non-structural elements such as compound walls, pathways, etc., due to their lower strength requirements. Incorporation of appropriate fibres along with these waste materials may strengthen the non-structural concrete, while increased e-waste recycling enables industries to recover metals and reduce dependence on raw material extraction. E-plastic usage for non-structural lightweight concrete and structural concrete was suggested from 30%-50% and 5% respectively. Current e-waste management and handling guidelines are not found sufficient. While, addition of 20% of plastic waste decreases the properties of concrete mix, the concrete mix was found more consistent with 25% of pre-wetting RCA with water.

Keywords: electronic waste; plastic waste; recycled concrete aggregate; RCA; non-structural elements; reviews.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2026.154485

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2026 Vol.40 No.2, pp.218 - 235

Accepted: 22 May 2023
Published online: 30 Jun 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article