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ExxonMobil Sued by California over Recycling Claims

California's lawsuit against ExxonMobil alleges decades of misleading the public about plastic recycling.

California's lawsuit alleges that ExxonMobil misled the public about plastic recycling.
California's lawsuit alleges that ExxonMobil misled the public about plastic recycling.

California's recent lawsuit against ExxonMobil could be a watershed moment in the struggle to manage plastic waste. According to NPR, the state alleges that the company has spent decades misleading the public about the feasibility of plastic recycling, promoting it as a viable solution despite knowing its limitations. This legal action, spearheaded by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, aims to address plastic waste's environmental and economic challenges.

The lawsuit claims that ExxonMobil has long been aware that recycling plastics is technically and economically challenging. Despite this knowledge, the company allegedly promoted recycling to solve the plastic waste crisis. Bonta's office argues that this deception has led to excessive plastic use, exacerbating pollution and waste management issues. California spends over $1 billion annually to manage its plastic waste, a figure that underscores the magnitude of the problem.

ExxonMobil, however, defends its actions by pointing to its investment in advanced recycling technologies. According to spokesperson Lauren Kight, the company has processed over 60 million pounds of plastic waste into usable raw materials, keeping it out of landfills. Yet, critics cited by NPR argue that these technologies are neither effective nor environmentally friendly. Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastic, describes chemical recycling as another industry public relations stunt, emphasizing that the economics of plastic recycling remain unfavorable.

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