Resource scarcity is driving the global economic landscape toward a new economic model – the ‘circular economy’. It is necessary to transition from a linear system that leads to resource underutilization (make – deliver – use – discard) toward reuse, and only after all possibilities are exhausted, proceed to recycling. Reverse logistics plays a cruical role in the circulation of resources, with the ultimate goal of utilizing them in a new production cycle in a manner that supports a healthy environment and human well-being. This paper explores the potential and proposes a model for the utilizing of plastic, PET bottles, and other recycled materials as valuable secondary raw materials in the production of sustainable asphalt mixtures, serving as a binding agent. The resulting asphalt mixture is more elastic and less prone to damage than traditional asphalt, showing up to 30% greater resistance compared to conventional asphalt production. South Africa and developing countries have recognized the significance of plastic in the production of transport infrastructure. They are developing patents which, if the pilot project succeeds, they expect will expand this type of production to developed, modern Europe and the world, representing a long-term sustainable model of the circular economy. Drina River is one of the most significant accumulations of plastic bottles in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Annually, between 4,500 and 6,000 m3 of waste plastic bottles are collected in the Drina River, which presents an excellent opportunity to utilize them in the production of ecological asphalt bases. B&H should seize the opportunity to recycle the annual accumulation of plastic bottles, which can be reintroduced into the circular economy and contribute to a sustainable concept. Strengthening cooperation between the state, university and real sector is key to achieving the above goals.