Embattled Recycling Start-Up Fights Back

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The head of the Sonoma County-based plastic recycling startup Resynergi announced today that the company will leave California because of opposition to a planned facility in Rohnert Park.

The move marks the next phase in the company's growth strategy, Resynergi CEO Brian Bauer Thursday said in an statement on the company website.

Resynergi processes hard-to-recycle plastic waste.

The company contends that its process based using microwave energy to heat plastic is safe.

But executives had to battle fierce opposition from residents over plans to put a Resynergi recycling plant in the mixed-use zoned SOMO Village in Rohnert Park, where the startup is based.

"Our time in Sonoma County allowed us to develop, refine and validate our technology," Bauer said in the statement. We are deeply grateful to Sonoma County, SOMO Village and our local partners for their support during our critical R&D phase."

Moving operations will accelerate the company's growth, he said. “We have plans to be in over 200 locations throughout North America, and this is our next step in that growth acceleration.