California files lawsuit against Exxon Mobil over recycling practices

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California has initiated a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil, alleging that the company has misled the public for decades regarding the effectiveness of recycling plastic produced by the company. The lawsuit, filed by State Attorney General Rob Bonta, follows a two-year investigation into Exxon Mobil's practices.

The 147-page complaint claims that Exxon Mobil has engaged in deceptive marketing practices for at least 50 years, contributing to the ongoing global plastics pollution crisis. Bonta's office asserts that the company made promises about recycling capabilities that were unsubstantiated, ultimately exacerbating the issue of plastic waste. "Plastics are everywhere, from the deepest parts of our oceans to the highest peaks on earth, causing irreversible damage to our environment and potentially our health," Bonta stated. He further accused Exxon Mobil of convincing the public that plastic recycling could address the plastic waste problem, despite being aware of the limitations of such recycling methods.

The lawsuit specifically targets Exxon Mobil's use of "advanced recycling," also referred to as chemical recycling. Bonta claims that this process results in 92% of plastic waste remaining unrecycled, with the small amount of plastics produced through this method accounting for less than one percent of the company's total plastic production capacity. Additionally, the complaint alleges that Exxon Mobil set unrealistic recycling targets while falsely promoting the recyclability of all plastics. The attorney general's office contends that these practices misled consumers into purchasing more single-use plastic than they would have otherwise.

The lawsuit has been filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, accusing Exxon Mobil of violating various state laws, including those related to nuisance, natural resources, water pollution, false advertising, and unfair competition. Bonta seeks remedies including nuisance abatement, disgorgement of profits, civil penalties, and an injunction to prevent further misleading statements regarding plastics recycling.

In response, Exxon Mobil has criticized the lawsuit, stating that legal action does not resolve the plastic waste issue. An Exxon Mobil spokesperson remarked that California officials have long been aware of the inefficiencies in their recycling system and suggested that collaboration would be more effective than litigation. The company claims to have processed over 60 million pounds of plastic waste into usable raw materials through advanced recycling methods.

Environmental advocates have expressed support for the lawsuit, describing it as a significant step in holding the plastics industry accountable for misleading information about recycling practices.