Low Density Polyethylene Plastic Research Articles

Degradation of low-density polyethylene by the bacterium Rhodococcus sp. C-2 isolated from seawater

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which accounts for 20% of the global plastic production, is discharged in great quantities into the ocean, threatening marine life and ecosystems. Marine microorganisms have previously been reported to degrade LDPE plastics; however, the exploration of strains and enzymes that degrade LDPE is still limited. Here, an LDPE-degrading bacterium was isolated from seawater of the Changjiang Estuary, China and identified as Rhodococcus sp. C-2, the relative abundance of which was dramatically enhanced during PE-degrading microbial enrichment. The strain C-2 exhibited the degradation of LDPE films, leading to their morphological deterioration, reduced hydrophobicity and tensile strength, weight loss, as well as the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups in short-chain products. Sixteen bacterial enzymes potentially involved in LDPE degradation were screened using genomic, transcriptomic, and degradation product analyses. Thereinto, the glutathione peroxidase GPx with exposed active sites catalyzed the LDPE depolymerization with the cooperation of its dissociated superoxide anion radicals. Furthermore, an LDPE degradation model involving multiple enzymes was proposed. The present study identifies a novel PE-degrading enzyme (PEase) for polyethylene bioremediation and promotes the understanding of LDPE degradation.

Analisis Subtitusi Limbah Plastik (LDPE) terhadap Karakteristik Marshall Pada Campuran Laston AC-WC

Waste which is a disposal material from production, both from nature and human activities that are not used, can cause heaps and piles of waste that some cannot be recycled, so that it can have a negative impact on society if it is not managed properly. Therefore, the authors use waste as a mixture in making laston or AC-WC. In this study used plastic waste type Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) which is often found in the surrounding environment. The asphalt layer used is Laston Wearing Course (AC-WC) which is commonly used for high traffic levels. Variations in the levels of plastic waste used are 0%; 5%; 7.5%; 10% of the total weight of the asphalt plan. The stages in this research include the physical test of the material, checking the AC-WC specifications referring to the general specifications of Bina Marga 2018, and Marshall testing. The method used in this research is the wet method. The results of this study found the optimum asphalt content used as a mixture with the addition of LDPE plastic waste, namely 6.3% asphalt content. Marshall test results show a better level of stability than conventional asphalt. This can be proven by the results of testing using Marshall. the average stability value is 1,884,53kg. Where this value increases compared to the stability value in the mixture without the addition of LDPE which is 1,787,39 kg.Keywords: Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course, Low Density Polyethilene (LDPE), Marshall Parameters

PIROLISIS CAMPURAN BIOMASSA LIMBAH SEKAM PADI DAN LIMBAH PLASTIK LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE MENGGUNAKAN KOMPOR BIOMASSA

<p class="abstrak"><em>The demand for fuel oil is increasing day by day, resulting in the depletion of oil and gas reserves in Indonesia. Rice husk waste biomass and low-density polyethylene plastic are wastes that can be utilized as alternative fuel sources by pyrolysis method. Pyrolysis is the process of burning organic and synthetic materials in conditions of little or no oxygen by utilizing heat from high temperature combustion. Pyrolysis method processing requires a heater to burn the material during the process. Efforts that can be made are the use of biomass stoves as the right solution because of the availability of abundant and cheap raw materials, biomass stoves can also provide solutions to reduce the impact of environmental pollution smoke. The purpose of this study was to determine the temperature produced by the biomass stove and the effect of the comparison of the composition of the biomass mixture of rice husk waste and low density polyethylene plastic waste on the quantity of pyrolysis oil. This research uses experimental method with quantitative descriptive analysis technique. This research was conducted by pyrolyzing a mixture of rice husk biomass waste and low density polyethylene plastic waste with variations in composition ratio of 0%:100%, 25%:75%, 50%:50%, 75%:25%, and 100%:0%. The pyrolyzed oil was then filtered and tested for quantity. The test results show that the biomass stove can be used as a heater in a pyrolysis device with a capacity of 4 kg of coconut shell briquettes. The use of coconut shell briquettes as fuel has the advantage of being able to produce higher heat and last longer than charcoal. The biomass stove can produce the highest pyrolysis temperature reaching 665.5°C at the bottom, 541°C in the middle, and 430.3°C at the top. There is an effect of variation in the composition of the mixture of rice husk waste and low-density polyethylene plastic waste on the quantity of pyrolysis oil. The composition of more rice husk waste compared to low density polyethylene plastic waste produces less quantity of pyrolysis oil, while the comparison of the composition of more low density polyethylene plastic waste compared to rice husk waste produces pyrolysis oil with more quantity. This can be seen from the quantity of pyrolysis oil produced ranging from 265 ml to 853.3 ml. </em></p>

Determination of the Optimal Jar Mill Setting for Crushed Eggshells Used in LDPE Tile Creation

In this study eggshells and low density polyethylene plastic (LDPE) wastes were reused to produce tiles. The eggshells were ground in a laboratory scale jar mill into the particle size of fine sand. The optimum grinding parameters were determined to be the setting that produced the highest mass of eggshell powder that was within the desired particle diameter size range of 0.425 mm (No. 40) and 0.075 mm (No. 200). A two to the three factorial design of experiment was used with variables of Time, Speed, and Ball Filling Ratio. The high and low values used in this study were 20 minutes and 10 minutes for the time, 250 rpm and 100 rpm for the speed, and 35% and 20% for the ball filling ratio. There were eight settings made with 3 trials per setting and one validation for the optimal setting produced. The eggshell powder produced by the optimal setting of the jar mill was used to create the LDPE-eggshell tiles. Four tiles were made for the three trials and for the validation part. The tiles were tested for its relative strength using the Compression Testing Machine. The researchers determined that eggshells and LDPE plastics may be formed into tiles and that the strength of the tiles that were produced by these materials exceeded the standard value set for this type of product.

The Effect of Packaging Use on the Quality of Salak Pondoh (Salacca edulis Reinw.)

The demand for salak pondoh is increasing along with the increase in economic growth and population. Efforts to maintain the quality of salak pondoh fruit are to delay ripeness using various types of packaging and knowing the most effective type of packaging to extend the shelf life of salak fruit. The research was carried out at the Agricultural Product Processing Technology Laboratorium, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati. The study design used Complete Randomized Design (RAL) with TK treatment = no packaging, P = Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic packaging and K = carton box packaging, each treatment was repeated as many times 9 times. The parameters observed were percentage of weight loss, hardness, total dissolved solids and vitamin C levels. The data obtained were analyzed with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and if the difference was real continued with the Scott-Knott test at the level of significance of 5%. The results showed that the use of cardboard box packaging material was able to delay the ripeness of salak fruit. Low density polyethylene plastic is a type of packaging that is effective in reducing the weight loss and hardness of salak fruit, and cardboard boxes are a type of packaging that effective in suppressing total dissolved solids and vitamin C levels of salak pondoh fruit (Salacca edulis Reinw.).

Plastic film packaging for the postharvest quality of fresh hop inflorescence (Humulus lupulus) cv. Cascade

Hop is an essential raw material for beer production, but, after harvest, the inflorescences have a very short shelf life. For this reason, the aim of this research was to study the effect of 4 different plastic films packaging on quality and shelf-life of fresh hops inflorescence. LDPE (low density polyethylene), LP280 (low density polyethylene-metallocene low density polyethylene-ethylene vinylic alcohol), MF (microperforated low density polyethylene-linear low density polyethylene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene-metallocene low density) plastic films, after a week of a great reduction in O2 and increase of CO2, were able to maintain O2 between 4 and 12 kPa and CO2 between 10 and 18 kPa during 28 d of storage at 3 °C. In these atmospheres, hop inflorescence chlorophyll decreased less than in MF film as well as α-acid and β-acid, while carotenoids increased but without significant difference among plastic films. MF did not produce any atmosphere different from the air but, in the 1st week, limited the negative effect (reduction of polyphenols and antioxidant properties) of atmosphere stress condition (very low O2 and high CO2), due to the high inflorescence respiration inside the low and very low permeability plastic films. Thus, to store hop inflorescences for one week, MF film is sufficient but, for a longer period, the atmosphere created by LDPE, LP280, and HDPE films, could be a good solution, before processing.

Theoretical investigation of combustion and emissions of CI engines fueled by various blends of depolymerized low-density polythene and diesel with co-solvent additives

The depletion of fossil fuels and the accumulation of plastic waste are both serious issues facing the world today. This study investigated the potential use of plastic waste as an alternative fuel by utilizing diesel (D) to depolymerize low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the presence of co-solvents. Several co-solvents were examined: a-pinene, toluene, and o-xylene, with ratios of 10% weight in the LDPE/diesel blend. The blends were theoretically tested in a diesel engine to investigate the impact on the combustion characteristics and emissions. According to tested data, the in-cylinder peak pressure and temperature decreased within the blend of D/LDPE in comparison to diesel at all engine loads. However, when co-solvents were added to the D/LDPE blend, in-cylinder pressures increased during the combustion at all loads, with improvements of 0.48%, 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.4% for the blends of D/LDPE (10% toluene and 1 bar), D/LDPE (10% a-pinene and 1 bar), D/LDPE (10% xylene and 1 bar), and D/LDPE (10% xylene and 10 bar), respectively, in comparison with diesel at 100% load. Co-solvent additions such as a-pinene and o-xylene to the plastic/diesel blend resulted in a substantial and gradual increase in the heat release rate at high loads. In respect to emissions, carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon, and soot levels were raised by adding LDPE plastic to D and reduced by adding co-solvents. The most effective co-solvents for decreasing carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbon, and soot emissions were pinene, followed by xylene.

Assessing the Performance of Melted Plastic as a Replacement for Sand in Paving Block

Plastic waste generates numerous environmental problems, such as garbage accumulation and plastic waste pollution in the oceans. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of melted plastic waste as a substitute material in paving blocks. The melted low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic is used as the cemented agent in the paving block. After melting, the melted LDPE plastic is mixed thoroughly with sand immediately and forms a paving block mold. The effectiveness of melted plastic as a bonding agent is evaluated based on the parameters of compressive strength, water absorption, and wear resistance. The results show that paving blocks with a melted plastic of 10% reach the required level of 9.39 MPa for the park. Hence, using melted plastic in paving blocks can be an alternative strategy to reduce plastic waste.

Nickel promoted Si-rich ZSM-5 nanocatalyst remarkably converts LDPE plastic waste to gasoline range hydrocarbons in a dual-bed semi-batch reactor at atmospheric pressure

Catalytic pyrolysis is an environmentally friendly recycling method, which has attracted remarkable attention due to worldwide issues of the production and accumulation of plastic wastes. In this work, the catalytic pyrolysis of Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was carried out in a dual-bed semi-batch reactor over the Si-rich Ni/ZSM-5 nanocatalyst at atmospheric pressure. The parent nanocatalyst was prepared by hydrothermal technique and modified with nickel promoter (0–25 wt%). The properties of the nanocatalysts were characterized by XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, EDX, TEM, BET, NH3-TPD, and TG-DTA techniques. The results showed the high crystallinity, spherical particles, and high specific surface area (376 m2g−1). The impact of operational conditions was evaluated to maximize the production of the high value-added compounds. The high percentage of the Ni promoter (25 wt%) led to the highest amount of gasoline range hydrocarbons (61%). The appropriate operational conditions were temperature of 525 °C, catalyst to plastic ratio of 1:20, and 2.5 ml min−1 nitrogen flow rate, resulting in the best product distribution: aromatics (39.4%), olefins (28.3%), and paraffins (15%). The reusability of the nanocatalyst showed high performance and more aromatic production. The characterization results of the used nanocatalyst confirmed the high stability through the pyrolysis reaction and lack of significant structural defect. The developed nanocatalyst represented the high activity through the pyrolysis of the real LDPE plastic waste, including the major product distribution in the gasoline range hydrocarbons.

Downcycling of one-time used plastic waste to DICI engine combustion energy through pyrolysis with less NOx emission

Plastic waste elimination is more important for environmental pollution. Alternate fuel is essential for future IC engine applications because of fossil fuel availability. This study focuses on both challenges by creating combustion energy for direct injection CI engines from the wastes with lesser NOx emissions. Plastic wastes of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) have the most negligible recycling value based on their collection point of view from municipal wastes. Conversion of this LDPE plastic waste into alternate fuel for CI engines by pyrolysis will provide value for that waste. The combustion, emission, and performance of neat pyrolyzed oil of LDPE plastic wastes (POLPW) were studied with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR; 0%, 10%, and 20%) in a 1500 rpm 5.2 kW engine on different loads. 20% of EGR used POLPW fuel produced 31.63% of brake thermal efficiency and 62.28% reduction in NOx (596 ppm) than diesel at maximum load. Pyrolyzed oil of low-density polyethylene plastic wastes can be utilized as a 100% substitute fuel in CI engines with an EGR of 20%. This will provide alternate fuel and low-value plastic waste downcycling, initiating environmental pollution reduction.

Pyrolysis of waste LDPE and waste PP plastics into fuel oil in a low-cost, lab-scale pyrolyzing unit

Plastics cause severe environmental and societal issues when post-consumer plastics are discarded in the environment without proper management. Pyrolysis of plastic waste is a promising method for plastic waste management due to its valuable by-products such as fuel oil. The objective of the present study was to pyrolysis waste polypropylene (PP) and waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastics into fuel oil in a low-cost, lab-scale apparatus at the maximum temperatures of 330°C and 355°C, respectively, and in turn to assess the physical properties, gross calorific value, density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, ash content, and sulfur content, of resultant fuel oil. Commercially available, recycled grades of LDPE and PP pellets, 70.0 g of each, were obtained, and pyrolysis was done in a lab-scale, low-cost batch reactor. The experiment was triplicated, and the resultant fuel oil was analyzed for physical properties by ASTM standard methods. The properties of resultant fuel oil were also compared with diesel grade criteria. Results revealed that the highest yield of fuel oil was obtained from waste PP at 79.57 wt.% while the waste LDPE resulted at 74.06 wt.% of fuel oil. No wax formation was observed in the waste PP pyrolysis process, unlike in the waste LDPE pyrolysis. The gross calorific values of waste PP and waste LDPE were 12 016 kcal/kg and 11 961 kcal/kg, respectively. It was higher than the standard value of commercial diesel. The distillation results indicated that short-chain hydrocarbon content is higher in the waste PP fuel oil sample than in the waste LDPE fuel oil sample. The results indicated that the resultant fuel oil samples were nearly closer to the diesel grade criteria. Therefore, the fuel oil produced from waste plastics is a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, with potential applications in power generation and transportation.

Turning low-density polyethylene plastic waste into plastics bricks for sustainable development

Plastic trash is a global environmental problem. Recycling and creating commercial products from waste plastics are the best solutions to mitigate environmental degradation. This paper attempted to develop building bricks from waste plastics with the addition of M-sand. The research was carried out with three mix ratios 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. Here, the first part of the ratio represents shredded waste LDPE plastics, and the second part of the ratio represents the M-sand. The shredded waste plastics were kept in a pan and heated, and the M-sand was added when the plastics in the pan became semi-solid. Then the M-sand was thoroughly mixed with semi-solid plastics and kept in the standard size brick mold for manufacturing building bricks. From the research, it could be observed that the waste plastics could be converted into bricks. The mechanical characteristics of developed plastic bricks were examined experimentally. The characteristics of plastic bricks with a mix ratio of 1:4 were observed to be higher than the standard first-class red clay bricks.

Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene plastic waste by a constructed tri-culture yeast consortium from wood-feeding termite: Degradation mechanism and pathway

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most common synthetic polymers, and PE waste pollution has been an environmental and health concern for decades. Biodegradation is the most eco-friendly and effective approach for plastic waste management. Recently, an emphasis has been placed on novel symbiotic yeasts isolated from termite guts as promising microbiomes for multiple biotechnological applications. This study might be the first to explore the potential of a constructed tri-culture yeast consortium, designated as DYC, isolated from termites for the degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The yeast consortium DYC stands for the molecularly identified species Sterigmatomyces halophilus, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Meyerozyma caribbica. The LDPE-DYC consortium showed a high growth rate on UV-sterilized LDPE as a sole carbon source, resulting in a reduction in tensile strength (TS) of 63.4% and a net LDPE mass reduction of 33.2% compared to the individual yeasts. All yeasts, individually and in consortium, showed a high production rate for LDPE-degrading enzymes. The hypothetical LDPE biodegradation pathway that was proposed revealed the formation of several metabolites, including alkanes, aldehydes, ethanol, and fatty acids. This study emphasizes a novel concept for using LDPE-degrading yeasts from wood-feeding termites for plastic waste biodegradation.

LDPE and biodegradable PLA-PBAT plastics differentially affect plant-soil nitrogen partitioning and dynamics in a Hordeum vulgare mesocosm

Micro and macroplastics are emerging contaminants in agricultural settings, yet their impact on nitrogen (N) cycling and partitioning in plant-soil-microbial systems is poorly understood. In this mesocosm-scale study, spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was exposed to macro or microplastic produced from low density polyethylene (LDPE) or biodegradable plastic at concentrations equivalent to 1, 10 and 20 years of plastic mulch film use. Partitioning of 15N-labelled fertiliser into plant biomass, soil and leachate yielded a partial mass balance. Soil N partitioning was probed via compound-specific 15N-stable isotope analyses of soil microbial protein. Concentration-dependent decreases in plant 15N uptake occurred with increased leached nitrogen for LDPE microplastic. Assimilation into soil microbial protein was higher for biodegradable plastics, which we associate with early-stage biodegradable plastic degradation. Partitioning of 15N into inorganic soil N pools was affected by LDPE size, with lower assimilation into the microbial protein pool. While microplastics and macroplastics altered soil N cycling, the limited impacts on plant health indicated the threshold for negative effects was not reached at agriculturally relevant concentrations. This study highlights the difference between conventional and biodegradable plastics, and emphasises that the interplay of micro and macroplastics on soil N cycling must be considered in future studies.

Conversion of low-density polyethylene plastic waste into valuable fuels using fly ash as a catalyst

Waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic was pyrolyzed using a batch reactor fuel oil fly ash catalyst into valuable fuels using fly ash as a catalyst.

ANALISIS PROPERTI BAHAN BAKAR MINYAK DARI PLASTIK LDPE (LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE) DAN PET (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) MENGGUNAKAN PROSES PIROLISIS

Plastic waste is an environmental problem that is hotly discussed in the era of globalization. Almost all people are starting to realize the dangers caused by environmental damage. The purpose of this study was to determine the properties of fuel oil resulting from the pyrolysis process for LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastics. The research method used is through experiments with the Pyrolysis process. In managing LDPE and PET plastic waste, namely the pyrolysis technique which can produce fuel oil. The types of plastic used in this study were LDPE plastic bags, garbage bags and PET juice plastic cups and mica plastic. This research was carried out using a temperature of 300 0C with a time of 1 hour and a mass of 1 kg of plastic to get different density results. The results showed that the plastic bag had an average value (density) of 0.929 g/mL, (viscosity) with an average of 0.565 m2/s and (Flash point) 410C, but the trash bag had an average (density) of 0.909 g/mL, (viscosity) with an average of 0.43 m2/s and (Flash point) 560C, then on plastic juice cups it has an average value (density) of 0.884 g/mL (viscosity) with an average of 0.575 m2/ s and (Flash point ) 350C, while mica plastic has an average density value of 1.074g/mL, (viscosity) with an average of 0.575 m2/s and (Flash point ) 420C. The results of pyrolysis of LDPE and PET plastic types are good fuels to use, namely pyrolysis fuel for PET plastic juice cups closer to premium, while the LDPE plastic type in the plastic bag category tends to be close to premium

Potential Reduction of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Plastic Waste as A Paving Block Mixed Material

Paving blocks are the result of a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and with or without other additives. Based on the results of sampling the composition of plastic waste in temporary shelters for 7 days, the percentage of plastic waste generated is 14%, whereas the percentage of LDPE plastic waste is 8% and the non-LDPE is 6%. This research was conducted with a ratio of cement and sand of 1: 4 with variations of a mixture of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight of sand. Paving block quality testing was carried out at the Environmental Engineering and Quality Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering and Concrete Laboratory, Civil Engineering, Adhi Tama Institute of Technology Surabaya. The results of the study showed that the greatest compressive strength was obtained in paving blocks with a plastic variation of 0.5%, which is 24,83 MPa. While the lowest compressive strength value is obtained at the paving block variation of 1.5%, which is 12.32 Mpa. The test results for the largest water absorption were obtained on paving blocks with a plastic variation of 2% with an average absorption of 6.45%, while the lowest water absorption was found in paving blocks with 1% plastic variation with an average absorption of 4.65%. it was concluded that the addition of reduced density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic from 0.5% to 2% had no significant impact on the addition of compressive strength and water absorption but tended to experience a decrease in the quality of the comparison sample. The potential for reducing LDPE plastic waste is 203,376 grams/day and produces 8,135 paving blocks with quality B. The purpose of this study is to the utilization of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste in paving blocks and the effect on the quality of compressive strength and water absorption.

Assessment of risk factors of food safety in local butter marketing in Kersa, Mana and Welmera districts of Oromia, Ethiopia

Risk factors pre-disposing local butter to food safety hazards in the informal marketing system along the supply chain of the central highlands and south-west midlands of Ethiopia were assessed. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select 1101 respondents from the local butter supply chain (532 producers, 107 retailers and 462 consumers). Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire developed separately for each category of respondents. Ninety- nine percent of the respondents indicated that butter was stored and marketed at ambient temperature with no cold chain management. Common butter storage materials included high-density polyethylene containers (51%), low-density polyethylene plastic bags (29%) and clay pots (73%). The respondents packed and marketed butter using castor leaves, plastic cups and false banana leaves and lints. Stream, river and borehole water sources were used to wash vessels, churners and fresh butter. However, only 23% of the respondents used tap water for the same purposes. The majority of the respondents trekked on their foot to take butter to local market places followed by the use of horse carts (11%) and three-wheel drives (10%). Itinerant traders and retailers played key roles in the informal supply chain of butter. Overall, there are no standard operating procedures and infrastructures along the supply chain. Thus, local butter supplied to consumers is liable to sensorial, physico-chemical and microbial deterioration and is exposed to risks of food-borne pathogens. The practices endanger the safety and quality of local butter unless stringent quality control measures are taken by concerned regulatory bodies. The objective of the study was to identify risk factors and design intervention to minimize the food safety hazards in butter. Key words: Food safety hazards, informal market, local butter, risk factors, supply chain

Production and Characterization of Sand-Plastic Composite Floor Tiles

The amount of plastic waste generated in developing nations like Nigeria is increasing day by day, which is nonbiodegradable and causes environmental pollution. Among the plastics used, low-density polyethylene is abundant. These plastics can be removed from the environment and recycled into useful products. In this study, low-density polyethylene plastic waste was utilized in the manufacture of floor tiles to curb its generation. The tiles were produced by mixing fine sand with molten plastic waste in different proportions. The physical and mechanical properties of the floor tiles such as water absorption, density, tensile and compressive tests, modulus of elasticity as well as impact strength and friction tests were investigated. The water absorption ranged from 0.02 - 0.38 %(m/m), while the density varied between 998.5 and 1289 kg/m3. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity fell within the range of 0.050 to 0.232 MPa and 0.924 to 2.806 MPa, respectively. This result proved the applicability of recycled plastic waste in the formulation of floor tiles.

Semi-automated machines for manufacturing construction materials from plastic waste

Plastic waste management is a challenging task worldwide and researchers are exploring the feasibility of using plastic waste in the construction sector. This paper reports on the design and construction of a semi-automated machine that converts low-density polyethylene plastic waste into construction materials such as blocks, tiles and partition panels. The performance of the machine during loading and manufacturing interlocking blocks is also discussed. The samples obtained had a compressive strength of 10 MPa corresponding to 20% strain, which is higher than that of the conventionally used construction materials.