To: Pinal County Air Quality Control District

We urge the District to deny the air permit for the proposed plastic pyrolysis facility by Freepoint Eco-Systems in Eloy.

Freepoint proposes to heat and melt plastic waste at high temperatures, a process that releases a wide range of air pollutants. Although this operation functions like waste combustion, the company has labeled it “recycling” or manufacturing to avoid incinerator regulations—thereby evading stronger pollution controls, emissions monitoring, and public oversight.

Plastic pyrolysis emits hazardous air pollutants during regular use, including benzene, toluene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acid gases, dioxins, and fine particles.  These pollutants increase the risk of cancer, asthma, and heart disease for nearby residents, especially vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and those with health issues.

Pyrolysis facilities have experienced fires, explosions, equipment failures, and shutdowns, raising the risk of hazardous air pollutant releases, especially during startups and malfunctions.  Many similar projects have also struggled with unstable operations and financial viability, leaving communities exposed to pollution risks with limited accountability.

Plastic pyrolysis facilities nationally have demonstrated significant operational instability, including fires, explosions, equipment failures, and unplanned shutdowns, all of which elevate the risk of uncontrolled emissions.

Freepoint’s pyrolysis facility in Hebron, Ohio has been cited for air-permit and federal regulatory violations, including the use of unauthorized pollution controls and improper venting of process gases. The facility has incurred three air-permit violations within approximately one-year, underscoring concerns about compliance, reliability, and enforceability of permit conditions.

Call to Action
Pinal County residents deserve clean air.  We call on regulators to protect our community and reject Freepoint’s attempt to bypass strong regulatory oversight and accountability for its proposed pyrolysis facility.