South Sioux City creates Nebraska's first road using plastic bags

The material being spread and smoothed to create a new road in South Sioux City looks like regular asphalt. But mixed with traditional materials is an estimated two million plastic bags.

"Today we are here to announce the first plastic recycled bag road in the state of Nebraska," said South Sioux City Mayor Rod Koch, speaking at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the project on Wednesday.

"These roads are useful because they last longer, they provide more flexibility, fewer potholes, and are obviously good for the environment," Koch said.

About 4,000 feet of Foundry Road was paved with the asphalt infused with shredded bags. The demonstration project was partially funded by a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant, and is a collaborative effort involving the city of South Sioux City, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dow Chemical Company, Jebro Waste Management, Barkley Asphalt, First Star Recycling and Goodwill of the Great Plains.

Lance Hedquist, South Sioux City's city administrator, helped launch the innovative project two years ago, modeled after similar efforts in other countries.

"We were watching some innovations that were taking place worldwide and what was happening in other countries was very beneficial," Hedquist said. "We're making a good use out of products that are just tossed away and blowing in the environment. So we're using plastic bags in a positive way."

Hedquist hopes more roads like this are in the city’s future.