This paper demonstrates the thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of some whole plastics and plastic-coal mixtures with and without solvent in an inert atmosphere of N-2 using a micro autoclave. The temperature was varied between 300 and 400 degrees C. The effect of some catalysts, i.e., AICl(3) and Co-Mo, on the liquid yield was also studied. The results demonstrate that temperature has a promising effect on the yield; however high temperature, as well as high catalyst loading, caused a decline in liquid yield. The effect of the solvent was found to be significant. None of the catalysts show an impressive effect on the yield of the desired products. Among the plastics studied, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) gave high yields even in the absence of a solvent and catalyst. The results are quite promising in terms of resource recovery, both from coal as well as plastics. The idea will also help in combating the environmental problems associated with plastics and coal. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.