Plastic waste, particularly polystyrene (PS), remains a major environmental challenge globally. A research team from the Friedrich Wöhler Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry in Göttingen has developed an innovative electrochemical process for recycling PS waste efficiently. By using a cost-efficient iron catalyst, this method not only degrades PS into valuable monomeric benzoyl products but also generates hydrogen as a byproduct. The process, powered by solar energy, demonstrates a promising solution for plastic recycling, addressing the pressing need for sustainable practices in a circular carbon economy. The research highlights the alarming statistic that less than 10% of plastic is recycled worldwide, contributing to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and water bodies. With PS constituting a significant portion of landfill materials, the need for effective recycling methods is crucial. The team's electrocatalytic approach, led by Lutz Ackermann, showcases the potential to convert PS waste into essential benzoyl products for chemical synthesis. The iron-based catalyst utilized in the process offers advantages over other metals due to its non-toxic, cost-effective, and abundant nature. By leveraging the electrocatalytic reaction, the catalyst efficiently breaks down PS, yielding benzoic acid and benzaldehyde—key compounds for various industrial applications. Moreover, the process's integration with solar energy not only enhances its sustainability but also enables the production of hydrogen as a byproduct. This dual benefit makes the electrochemical method a promising solution for plastic recycling while contributing to the decentralized production of green hydrogen. The successful degradation of real-life PS waste at a gram scale underscores the method's robustness and scalability for potential industrial applications.