Chemical recycling (also known as advanced recycling, gasification, pyrolysis, waste-to-fuel, and waste-to-energy) is an unproven "techno-fix" being pushed by industry as the solution to our growing plastic pollution crisis. Despite industry claims, in reality, few projects are actually operational, outputs are often burned, and the small amount of reclaimed plastic they create is low quality.  

Worse yet, chemical recycling is not climate-friendly despite industry claims to the contrary. Processing just one ton of plastics in a pyrolysis facility emits at least three tons of CO2. The process also releases the toxic chemicals in plastic into the environment as air pollution and residue. Unfortunately, plants are overwhelmingly cited in low-income communities and communities of color, exacerbating environmental injustice.

Urge your State Assemblymember and Senator to reject Assemblymember John McKeon's Bill #5803 to exempt these dangerous chemical recycling facilities from New Jersey’s existing solid waste and recycling laws and ask them to follow Maryland's lead by banning chemical recycling outright in New Jersey.