Scientists find bug that feasts on toxic plastic (Guardian)
A bacterium that feeds on toxic plastic has been discovered by scientists. The bug not only breaks the plastic down but uses it as food to power the process. The bacterium, which was found at a waste site where plastic had been dumped, is the first that is known to attack polyurethane. Millions of tonnes of the plastic is produced every year but it is mostly sent to landfill because it it too tough to recycle.