Advocates question new plastic recycling facility in Massillon

By Farah Siddiqi

Environmental advocates in Ohio are questioning the city of Massillon’s decision to grant startup funds to PolyKinetix, a company marketing itself as a solution to plastic pollution.

They argued a new facility which opened in June will increase environmental and health risks instead of reducing them. The Buckeye Environmental Network said the company promotes chemical recycling as a way to cut down on microplastics.

Elyssa Yoder, advocate organizer for the network, explained why the company's solution creates additional risks.

"They pulverize plastic, actually creating more micro and nanoplastics," Yoder explained. "Where is it going? What is it going to be used for? Neither of these options are good for the environment or human health. What if there was a spill? And it sits right on the banks of the Tuscaroras."

The City of Massillon approved a $5,000 economic development grant for PolyKinetix in June, fast-tracking the vote without full discussion, according to council minutes. Yoder pointed out the company has not applied for air permits with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Yoder pointed to similar plastic recycling facilities which failed after promising environmental benefits and jobs.

"Eighty percent of all of these facilities have failed across the U.S.," Yoder reported. "The only way that they can actually start up is by all of these municipal grants and funds. It is such an energy-intense process and the output is such a nasty product, it's hard for them to sell it."

Yoder also noted PolyKinetix CEO William Ullom previously founded another plastics recycling venture in Akron, later acquired by Alterra Energy, which has faced scrutiny from residents and environmental groups over air pollution concerns. Ullom said he has no ownership or role with Alterra, and his prior work does not relate to PolyKinetix.

PolyKinetix maintains its process is safe and environmentally responsible, adding its new facility is creating jobs in Massillon. Advocates are urging city leaders to increase transparency about how companies are vetted before receiving public funds, especially when health and environmental concerns are at stake.