Yonkers Department of Public Works to test asphalts made with recycled plastics

Last20, a company that uses plastic scrap in pavement, will partner with the Yonkers Department of Public Works, Yonkers, New York, to test asphalt made with recycled plastics. 

The plastic-infused pavement will be tested by the Department of Public Works as part of the Westchester Innovation Network (WIN), a program launched by the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) that aims at driving economic development, innovation and growth. 

“We are excited to introduce New York to Last20’s innovative solution that upcycles plastic waste into pavement,” says Lauren Barnes, the founder of Last20.  

Barnes adds the company will also test its pavement with Regeneron at its Greenburgh, New York, campus. 

According to Last20, the company replaces a portion of bitumen, the common binding agent in traditional pavement, with low-density polyethylene. The company says the resulting product is more elastic, reducing the need for repairs and more porous, which reduces noise pollution. 

The BCW’s WIN program has identified 60 potential innovator partners looking to be paired locally to test a product or service and the process to match those innovators with businesses has begun. 

“We are focused on embracing innovative new companies from Westchester, across the U.S. and internationally to learn from and co-create with them, and to advance key incentives necessary to get them to grow and stay here in Westchester,” says Marsha Gordon, BCW president and CEO.