The available data on the enhanced degradation of plastics have been summarized. In general, compounds such as N-haloimides, arylmethyl halides, phenylhalomethyl ketones, haloalkenes and transition metallo-organic compounds have been used extensively to enhance degradation of most polyolefins and polyesters. Several types of additives enhance the degradation of polyethylene and polypropylene; however, such additives are comparatively few in number for polyester resin, polystyrene, and poly(vinyl chloride). -- AATA