<p>The menace caused by littered plastics has become common knowledge. Bio-derived or biocompostible or biodegradable polymers are advocated as a solution. Many reports have raised doubts about their environmental friendliness. Here we attempted several biopolymers, namely compostable linear low-density polyethylene, oxo-biodegradable polymer beads, virgin- and additive-blended-starch samples, cellulose acetate butyrate, polyhydroxy alkonate, polyhydroxy butyrate/polyhydroxy valerate, polyhydroxy butyrate, and poly-L lactic acid to catalytically crack in the presence of hydrogen over zeolite-based catalysts (parent-, desilicated- and dealuminated-HZSM-5 and parent- and desilicated-zeolite beta) to explore if valuable products can be recovered. Very few polymers (polyhydroxy alkanoate and starch-based) afforded appreciable liquid product yield. Gases were generated to a larger extent and they neither condense at about 4°C nor dissolve in solvents like toluene, hexane, etc. Notably, a considerable proportion of unconverted residue (even after experiencing temperatures as high as 500°C) was left behind. Next, to bring the polymers in contact with the catalyst, we tried to dissolve them in various solvents. However, only some polymers dissolved only in γ-valerolactone (GVL). Due to the solvent, relatively more polymers converted into liquid products. Considerable aromatic yield was obtained from GVL-cellulose acetate butyrate system. Although valuable liquid compounds were obtained, poor liquid yields and product concentrations raise a question on catalytic conversion method. Separation of products necessitates energy-intensive methods.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>