Dozens of facilities that chemically break down plastics, releasing harmful pollution, are proposed in the U.S. and could begin operations over the next three years, according to a new Oil & Gas Watch fact sheet.

As of June 2025, Oil & Gas Watch has collected data on 39 proposed chemical recycling projects across the U.S., as well as three plants that are currently under construction, two in Georgia and one in West Virginia.

Often labeled “advanced” recycling by the industry, these facilities use heat or chemicals to break down the molecular bonds in plastics to make fuels, other chemicals, or new plastics. The processes are energy intensive, generate large quantities of harmful waste, and release hazardous air pollutants that have been proven to cause cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Only 10 chemical recycling plants are operating in the U.S. today after four facilities closed their doors following technical and financial troubles (Regenyx in Oregon, Fulcrum Biofuels in Nevada, New Hope Plastics in Texas, and Prima Groveton in New Hampshire). The few plants that are operating are largely doing so at “pilot” scale.

Six additional projects have been cancelled as companies struggle with finances and community opposition.