Judge Dismisses New York's Plastics Pollution Lawsuit Against PepsiCo

The court ruled that PepsiCo cannot be held liable for plastic pollution in the Buffalo River, citing consumer responsibility for littering.

New York Attorney General Letitia James accused PepsiCo of creating a public nuisance with its single-use plastic packaging.
Justice Emilio Colaiacovo dismissed the case, stating that it was individuals, not PepsiCo, who violated littering laws.
The lawsuit alleged that PepsiCo products accounted for 17% of plastic waste in the Buffalo River, the highest of any company surveyed.
The court highlighted the need for legislative action rather than judicial intervention to address plastic pollution issues.
PepsiCo expressed satisfaction with the ruling and reiterated its commitment to reducing plastic use and improving recycling efforts.