the present invention is a method for depolymerizing or &# 34 ; cracking &# 34 ; polymeric materials . the method of the present invention may be used in the disposal and / or recycling of such materials . products of the degradation of polymeric materials using the present method may be recycled or more easily treated for disposal . the present invention is a process for degrading , depolymerizing or &# 34 ; cracking &# 34 ; a polymeric material , otherwise amenable to cracking by alkali fusion , comprising the steps of : preparing a molten reaction mixture comprising : a basic material ; a source of copper ; and said polymeric material ; and maintaining said molten mixture at a temperature sufficient to reflux said molten mixture for sufficient time to depolymerize said polymeric material .