Freepoint Eco-Systems, an advanced plastic recycling plant, has suspended operations at its Hebron facility after numerous environmental concerns were raised by residents and active investigations by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
“Freepoint Eco-Systems is suspending operations...The site is undergoing a controlled transition to a care-and-maintenance state while strategic options for the facility are evaluated. Our priorities throughout this process are safety, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and support for affected employees and contractors,” a Freepoint spokesperson said.
The site operates a plastic recycling technology through pyrolysis, a process that heats plastic to more than 1,100 degrees while removing oxygen to break down the plastic’s complex molecules into simple substances like oil, gases and charcoal. The process has gained popularity as a solution to ongoing problems with plastic waste disposal.
According to studies, some oils produced through pyrolysis can cause cancer and harm the environment. It has been advised that products that use the process should be extensively cleaned.
Ohio EPA spokesperson Bryant Somerville said the agency received five violation notices about Freepoint. Somerville also said the agency was officially notified about the facility's suspended operations and are in the process of coordinating with Freepoint to ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
Community members in Hebron have been outspoken about the possible consequences in their neighborhoods.
“Suspending operations will ensure an end to the harmful pollution caused by burning plastic waste, bringing long-overdue relief to nearby families. Children in the community will finally be able to play outside without the threat of breathing dirty, contaminated air,” said Amanda Rowoldt, Ohio field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force. “These toxic enterprises are not a solution to the plastic pollution crisis. Freepoint’s decision to suspend operations must be final and permanent.”
The Moms Clean Air Force has a reported 1.6 million parents against air pollution to protect children’s health.
