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Maryland hearing splits on proposed ban on chemical 'advanced' recycling of plastics
Summary
House Bill 1092 would prohibit construction and operation of so-called chemical recycling facilities in Maryland, a step supporters say is needed to prevent toxic emissions and an industry “greenwash,” while opponents say advanced molecular recycling can yield feedstocks and should be regulated rather than banned.
House Bill 1092 would remove chemical conversion processes (commonly marketed as “chemical recycling,” “advanced recycling,” or plastic-to-fuel) from the legal definition of recycling under Maryland law and would prohibit construction and operation of such facilities in the state.
Sponsor testimony focused on public-health and climate concerns. Delegate Taraso described chemical recycling as “a polluting process” that can produce hazardous byproducts and fuels rather than reconstituted plastics. Supporters emphasized documented facility failures and fires in the U.S., uncertain yields, and toxic emissions such as benzene, formaldehyde, dioxins and hydrogen cyanide in pyrolysis and gasification operations.
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