California sues ExxonMobil for alleged decades of deception around recycling

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil, accusing the company of misleading the public for decades regarding the effectiveness of plastic recycling. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, claims that ExxonMobil engaged in a "decades-long campaign of deception" to promote recycling as a viable solution to plastic pollution, despite knowing that most plastics are not recyclable. Bonta seeks to compel ExxonMobil to cease these practices and pay civil penalties for the environmental harm caused by plastic waste. The lawsuit follows a two-year investigation by the Department of Justice into the role of fossil fuel companies in the global plastics crisis. ExxonMobil, the world's largest producer of polymers used in single-use plastics, has countered that California's recycling system is ineffective and that the state should collaborate with them to address the issue. The lawsuit highlights the broader context of the plastics crisis, where only about 9% of plastic is recycled globally, and emphasizes the environmental and health risks associated with plastic pollution. This case is notable as it is the first in the U.S. targeting a fossil fuel company over its messaging about plastic recycling.

- California sues ExxonMobil for misleading claims about plastic recycling.

- The lawsuit seeks to end deceptive practices and impose civil penalties.

- ExxonMobil argues California's recycling system is ineffective.

- Only about 9% of plastic is recycled globally, highlighting the crisis.

- This lawsuit marks a significant legal action against the plastics industry.