Freepoint Eco-Systems Plastic Incinerator Shuts Down Amidst Community Pushback

June 2, 2026 

By Cat Adams

Hebron, Licking County, OH — On May 28, Freepoint Eco-Systems notified the Ohio EPA and Freepoint employees that it would be shutting down its Central Ohio plastic incineration facility, located outside of Hebron in Licking County, on July 26, 2026. In an email to the Mayor of Hebron, Freepoint attributed the decision to cease operations to “current market conditions and commercial factors.” According to Oil and Gas Watch’s database, Freepoint Eco-Systems was one of only seven operating plastic pyrolysis facilities in the entire United States.

The Hebron facility’s troubled record dates back to the fall of 2024, shortly after the facility first began processing plastic. Since then, employee complaints of fine plastic dust and community concerns about constant black plumes of smoke prompted multiple Ohio EPA and OSHA investigations into the pyrolysis facility. 

“Living within a mile of Freepoint, I am always concerned about the air quality in our neighborhood.  We would occasionally get a smell of burning plastic and see black smoke coming from the stacks,” said Lori Swihart, Hebron resident. “While I don’t wish any business to close their doors, my husband and I are pleased to hear that they are closing indefinitely due to so many violations. We believe it is a victory for the health, safety and well-being of our community and township.”