"More than 30 House and Senate members told the EPA on Thursday they have concerns over chemical recycling technology contributing to the climate crisis.

Chemical recycling, sometimes called advanced recycling, includes a suite of technologies that use non-mechanical processes to break down plastics.

“Chemical recycling technologies, specifically pyrolysis and gasification, are forms of incineration and do not help us achieve new source reduction,” the lawmakers told Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan in a letter. “These two processes are primarily used to produce fuels like crude oils or synthetic natural gas, and often do not result in the production of new plastic, meaning these technologies may not support the transition to a circular economy.”

Lawmakers raised concerns over the hazardous waste released by chemical recycling facilities, which have been found to emit benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes, and dioxins, according to the letter. Many of the toxic chemicals are linked to cancer, nervous system damage, and negative effects on reproduction and development."

Nyah Phengsitthy reports for Bloomberg Environment July 14, 2022. [2]