Cigarette waste turned into road-building material by scientists

Scientists from the University of Granada (Spain) and the University of Bologna (Italy), supported by the Chinese government, have developed an innovative method to recycle cigarette butts into pellets used as additives in road construction. The process involves removing organic ash from cigarette filters, crushing the remaining cellulose fibers and PLA plastic, and binding the material with a special Fischer-Tropsch-type wax. These pellets are then incorporated into recycled asphalt, where the wax melts during manufacturing, releasing fibers that reinforce the asphalt, enhancing its crack resistance, ductility, and flexibility. This method also allows for higher recycled content in asphalt and reduces manufacturing temperatures, leading to energy savings and lower emissions. The environmental significance of this research is notable given the staggering volume of cigarette waste worldwide—estimated at 4.5 trillion discarded filters annually by the WHO, projected to rise to 9 trillion by 2025. Cigarette butts are a persistent pollutant, contaminating waterways and landscapes. This recycling approach not only addresses this waste problem