Science-backed support for protections from polluting facilities
Get the scientific credibility and strategic guidance you need to challenge plastics chemical recycling facilities before they become entrenched in your community. “Chemical recycling” of plastics is also called advanced recycling, advanced manufacturing, molecular recycling and other terms.
Communities face proposed chemical recycling facilities marketed as innovative, sustainable solutions to plastic waste, but these facilities pose serious environmental and public health risks and may not actually be recycling much plastic, if any. Most chemical recycling facilities are still in proposal or early construction stages, making timely action critical. This service equips communities with expert-backed tools, strategic coaching, and network connections to respond effectively.
Who this is for:
- Local community members, groups and coalitions tracking siting, proposals, and/or permitting of chemical recycling facilities
- Community members, advocates and activists opposing chemical recycling facilities
- Community groups and other NGOs seeking scientific and technical advice on chemical recycling facilities and policies
Here’s how it works;
- Provide Key Information – by filling out intake form that will ask for basics like company/ facility name, location, proposal status, and organizing context
- Initial Call – to discuss the key information and ascertain needs
- Follow up – based on needs. The follow up could include one or more of the following:
- Custom document or media development, such as a briefing package, written or video testimony
- Training/ capacity building webinar covering information tailored to the local context
- Introductions and connections with other relevant experts and groups
- Up to two further check-in calls to review developments, permit tracking, other milestones
About Dr. Veena Singla
Dr. Veena Singla is a nationally recognized environmental health scientist with deep experience on chemical recycling and industry tactics to influence science and policy. Her national network provides communities with the scientific credibility and strategic connections needed to challenge chemical recycling proposals effectively.
Key Expertise:
- Environmental health science and chemical recycling
- Industry tactics to influence science, policy and decision makers
- Health risk assessments
- National network of scientists, advocates and policy experts
- Intervention strategies for facility opposition
Frequently Asked Questions
How early in the permitting process should I contact Dr. Singla?
As early as possible—this service is most valuable before permits are finalized. Early intervention prevents facilities from becoming entrenched.
Is this just for ‘chemical recycling’ facilities?
Yes, the focus is on advanced plastics recycling facilities using pyrolysis, gasification, or similar breakdown technologies marketed as recycling solutions.
Can I use this service if the facility is already approved?
Yes, but we’ll focus on watchdogging, mitigation strategies, and strategic pressure rather than permit prevention.
What happens after the two follow-up calls?
The two strategic check-in calls are timed to critical permit milestones (e.g., public comment periods, hearings). After these, you’ll have the scientific foundation, network connections, and strategic framework to continue your opposition. Additional support beyond the initial engagement can be arranged separately if needed.
What makes this different from other environmental consulting?
Dr. Singla specializes in chemical recycling and has successfully supported other communities to defeat facility proposals.
How quickly can this service be activated once a facility is proposed?
The service is designed for rapid response. Once you submit the intake form with facility details, Dr. Singla can typically schedule an initial briefing call within 1-2 weeks, allowing you to begin building your response strategy while permits are still in early stages.
What if our community doesn’t have existing organizing capacity?
This service works best when you have at least a small core group (even 3-5 people) who can participate in the initial call and coordinate follow-up. Dr. Singla can help connect you with organizing resources and similar campaigns, but the service assumes some basic local coordination capacity exists or is developing.
What is this service NOT designed for?
This service is specific. It’s not:
- Full campaign management
- Legal representation or formal objections
- Formal scientific testing or environmental sampling
- Full media campaign development (can refer to others for that)
- Ongoing engagement beyond two follow-ups (unless separate arrangement)
Will our community information be kept confidential?
Yes. All information you share about your facility, organizing strategy, and community context will be kept confidential unless you explicitly authorize Dr. Singla to share it with network contacts or other relevant parties to support your campaign.