Chemical Plastic Recycling Pyrolysis Plants Regulation Change

planned

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering the regulation of chemical plastic recycling facilities, specifically those using pyrolysis, which has been regulated as incineration under the Clean Air Act. The EPA is considering reclassifying pyrolysis as manufacturing, which would change the applicable air pollution standards. This potential regulatory change has raised concerns among environmental groups about increased pollution and deregulation, while the plastics industry supports the change as a clarification that still controls emissions. There are currently six pyrolysis plants operating in several US states, with more under construction and legislation pending to regulate chemical recycling as manufacturing.