Toxic Prisons Campaign
Across Pennsylvania, incarcerated people are subjected to environmental hazards—contaminated water, polluted air, and toxic facilities—that contribute to cancer and other serious health impacts. Many prisons are located in toxic areas, including SCI Fayette, built on top of a coal ash dumping site. We organize with people on the inside to advocate for humane living conditions.
Environmental Racism Behind Prison Walls
When people are incarcerated, they lose freedom—but they do not lose the right to clean air, safe water, and basic human dignity. Yet prisons like SCI Fayette have been documented as sites of serious environmental exposure and reported health crises. This is environmental injustice—and it requires organized power to change.
“The only option is for us to fight for them or they die.”
Voices from Inside
The Toxic Prisons Campaign is grounded in testimony from incarcerated people living these conditions in real time. These firsthand accounts expose what the system tries to hide—unsafe water, polluted air, and medical neglect behind the walls.
“At SCI-FAYETTE, bottled water is considered contraband”
“I suffered almost everyday of the 15 months I was at that prison”
“The water not only rests bad but you can smell a bad odor when you shower…”
“My skin is irritated 24/7 throughout my sleep”
What makes a prison “toxic”?
Contaminated Water
People report discolored, foul-smelling water and symptoms that worsen over time—while staff avoid the water entirely
Toxic prisons are not an accident—they are the result of policy decisions that place human beings in environments that would be unacceptable anywhere else.
Polluted Air & Coal Ash Exposure
At SCI Fayette, people describe dust and pollution that returns quickly after cleaning—linked to the surrounding coal waste site.
Health Harm + Medical Neglect
People report respiratory, throat, sinus, skin, and gastrointestinal issues—and the struggle to get adequate diagnosis and care
What we’re fighting for
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for every person incarcerated in Pennsylvania.
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across state facilities (so harm can’t be buried).
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not as disposable.
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including campaigns like #ShutDownFayette.
Toxic Prisons Campaign Documentaries
The Toxic Prisons Campaign’s documentaries on environmental justice and the fight to end toxic prison conditions.
2025 Momentum
In 2025, the Toxic Prisons Campaign deepened its statewide organizing—building pressure through community education, legislative engagement, and public storytelling. Through this work, the campaign helped build momentum that contributed to the closure of two state prisons.
Statewide organizing and public education continued, strengthening inside–outside coordination and community awareness.
Legislative advocacy advanced, including work connected to House Resolution 280 (HR 280) calling for environmental studies in state prisons.
Screenings and outreach expanded public understanding through documentary work and campaign events, bringing new people into the movement.
Take Action
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Join the Campaign
We meet on the last Monday of every month to share updates, plan actions, and support families impacted by toxic prison conditions. Sign up to receive the Zoom link, agenda, campaign updates, and action alerts when we need calls, emails, or turnout.
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Support the Work
Your donations help sustain organizing, outreach, and advocacy.
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Share Testimony
If you or a loved one has been impacted by prison environmental conditions—especially at SCI Fayette—send your story to the campaign.
Campaign Updates
Latest news, actions, and campaign wins from the Toxic Prisons Campaign.
Research & Resources
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Key Report: Toxic Coal Waste at SCI Fayette
A foundational report by the Abolitionist Law Center Report documenting exposure to toxic coal waste at SCI Fayette and the human rights and health impacts behind the walls.
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Report: America’s Trash Can
A concise report grounded in inside testimony and documented research on toxic conditions at SCI Fayette—including polluted water, coal-ash exposure, and the health impacts incarcerated people report living with every day.
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SCI Fayette Storymap
A visual, easy-to-follow story that explains what makes SCI Fayette toxic—using maps, context, and documented information.
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Documentary: I Can’t Breathe
Use the film to educate your community, host a screening, and bring new people into the movement against toxic prisons.
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The Movement from SCI Fayette
Check out Issue 40 of The Movement to learn more about the conditions at SCI Fayette