Gasification of polyethylene (PE) pellet was studied using atmospheric argon-steam plasma generated by microwave discharge and the feasibility of the process was examined. The experimental results showed that additional steam to argon plasma promoted the weight decrease of PE and enhanced the production of H-2, CO, CO2 and CH4 The results confirmed that the treatment of plastics with the steam plasma was effective to obtain synthesis gas. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.