Exxon hit with lawsuit over claim that plastic products could be properly recycled

Concern over plastic pollution has grown as we've learned more about its damaging effects on the environment. While recycling efforts have been the primary focus, many plastic materials are not recyclable. In fact, two lawsuits have been filed to hold the world's largest plastic producer accountable. 

For over a decade, shoppers have paid extra for reusable bags, but it turns out these bags are not recyclable, a fact manufacturer have allegedly known all along. During California Coastal Cleanup Day, plastic waste was easily found along Berkeley's shores. Environmentalists emphasize that plastic breaks down into microplastics, which wildlife often mistake for food. 

Despite efforts to recycle, microplastics now contaminate land, water, and even the Sierra snowpack. California's Attorney General, alongside environmentalists, has filed lawsuits in San Francisco against ExxonMobil, accusing them of deceiving the public by promoting plastics as recyclable, even though only about 5% actually are. 

The biggest issue lies with lightweight plastic films and bags, which are nearly impossible to process, even with advanced sorting equipment. At San Francisco's Recology, plastic bags that mix with other recyclables become too difficult to separate for recycling.