“Chemical recycling” isn’t recycling at all

“Chemical recycling” isn’t recycling at all

Fossil fuel companies are touting a new solution to the plastic waste crisis: so-called “chemical recycling.”1

 

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The term “chemical recycling” is highly misleading.

Chemical recycling doesn’t turn used plastic into new products, but instead turns plastic waste into oil and gas to be burned. In the process, greenhouse gases and toxic pollution are released into the atmosphere.2

Solutions to plastic pollution shouldn’t create more problems than they solve — and we already know that the best way to put our planet over plastic is to ban the worst single-use products that we just don’t need.

That’s why we’re calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate chemical recycling under the Clean Air Act.

Chemical recycling threatens the environment.

Chemical recycling poses a threat to environmental and human health. Over half of the plastic processed in chemical recycling facilities comes out as climate pollution. That’s on top of the emissions from burning the resulting fuel.3

Additionally, toxic pollutants, including dioxins and volatile organic compounds, are routinely released at processing facilities that melt down plastic. These pollutants have been linked to cancer, respiratory diseases, nervous disorders and other harms.4

Take action to convince the EPA to restrict chemical recycling.

Chemical recycling clearly isn’t recycling at all. It’s an expensive and dangerous way to burn more fossil fuels.

Fortunately, a new rule could make it harder to turn plastic into oil and gas to be burned. The EPA is considering tightening regulations on chemical recycling, and is currently accepting public input on this decision. By submitting a public comment, you can help convince the EPA to restrict chemical recycling.

Submit your comment today.

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  1. Joseph Winters, “This ‘solution’ to the plastic crisis is just another way to burn fossil fuels,” Grist, August 3, 2020.
  2. Joseph Winters, “This ‘solution’ to the plastic crisis is just another way to burn fossil fuels,” Grist, August 3, 2020.
  3. “NEW REPORT: Plastic “Chemical Recycling” Means More Pollution for Pennsylvania,” PennEnvironment, July 28, 2020.
  4. Joseph Winters, “This ‘solution’ to the plastic crisis is just another way to burn fossil fuels,” Grist, August 3, 2020.