relatively inert in its useable form, PVC produces dangerous by-products at every stage of its manufacture; its feedstocksethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)are carcinogenic; vinyl creates indoor air quality problems in its use phase; and it constitutes a toxic time bomb for disposal. The sum total of its toxic releases over its life-cycle makes PVC responsible for more dioxin emissions than any other single product (Thornton, 1999). And, according to the European Commission, 1 kg of PVC generates 1 kg or more hazardous wastes (Thorpe, 2003). Besides all the problems with PVC in itself, its additives are also problematic. Pure PVC is too brittle to be used without a variety of additives. Heavy metals like lead are often found in stabilizers; but the overwhelming majority of additives are plasticizers, a class of compounds called phthalates that have been linked to a range of reproductive health effects, including reduced fertility, miscarriage, birth defects, abnormal sperm counts, and testicular damage, as well as to liver and kidney cancer. Phthalates have become almost as big a health concern as PVC itself. In summary, PVC (including its feedstocks, additives and unintentional by-products) has been associated with cancer, disruption of the endocrine system, reproductive impairment, impaired child development and birth defects, neurotoxicity (damage to the brain or its function), and immune system suppression (Thornton, 2000). The PVC disposal time bomb is particularly disturbing. In the European Union alone, PVC waste is projected to increase 76 percent in the next two decades, to over 7 million tons in 2020 (Belliveau & Lester, 2004). None of the disposal options landfilling, incineration or recyclingis satisfactory. Because of so many additives, PVC is difficult or impossible to recycle. If collected with other plastics, separation must