Alterra Energy's permit is being reviewed.
Now is our time to stop toxic air pollution
in East Akron!

 

 

What's going on?

 

East Akron is home to Alterra Energy, Ohio's oldest plastic burning plant. Located on Waterloo Road, Alterra releases (literal) tons of chemicals known to cause respiratory and reproductive illnesses, heart disease, and cancer every year.

This past May (2025), we took part in a public hearing with the Ohio EPA and Akron’s Regional Air Quality officials to urge them to deny the new draft permit for Alterra. Over 100 people attended to show their concern about this facility, and over 1,100 people signed onto our letter campaign. We are currently waiting for the Ohio EPA’s decision.

 

But despite this public outcry, concerning emissions test results, and the failure to apply regulations applicable to combusting plastic waste, Alterra may be issued this new permit anyway. The new permit would allow Alterra to release even more pollution (35 tons of nitrogen oxide, 34 tons of volatile organic compounds, and 13 tons of carbon monoxide) into East Akron every year. People living in East Akron already have higher rates of asthma and heart disease than 90% of the country¹. It’s time for this to end.

 

Now what?

 Attend the People's Hearing on Sat, Sept 27th 

Because the Ohio EPA decided to hold the permit hearing in downtown Akron, many of our neighbors in East Akron were not able to attend. We think this is unacceptable. People Over Polymers has joined forces with The Big Love Network, Akron CAN, and other local organizations to host the East Akron People’s Hearing – Saturday, September 27, from 3-5pm at the Zion Temple Baptist Church. 

 

Please join us for expert analysis on Alterra’s process, testimony about the historic injustices in these neighborhoods, and excellent fellowship. We want to hear your story about how industry has impacted your life and your family. Together, we can hold the plastics industry accountable in our city.