Plastic pollution case tests legal doctrine of public nuisance

Environmental groups are invoking a centuries-old legal theory to hold companies accountable for plastic waste accumulation in shared environments, raising questions about how traditional law applies to modern pollution.

First covered Nov 6, 2026 · 1:15 AM PT · 1 article

Plastic pollution case tests legal doctrine of public nuisance — Image via grist.org

Coverage

5d Grist Plastic pollution is putting an old legal doctrine to a new test

Primary sources

ad4.nycourts.gov Calendar (ad4.nycourts.gov)

assets.alm.com Pepsi Memo Order (assets.alm.com)

counsel.lacounty.gov Protecting Public Health and Consumers By Suing JUUL for False Advertising and Public Nuisance – The Office Of County Counsel | County of Los Angeles

More coverage from around the web

plasticpollutioncoalition.org Court Greenlights Landmark Plastic Pollution Lawsuit Against Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Major Consumer Goods Companies

cpmlegal.com Court Greenlights Landmark Plastic Pollution Lawsuit Against Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Major Consumer Goods Companies: Top National Trial Lawyers for the Underdog

natlawreview.com Public Nuisance Claims Continue to Gain Traction in Plastics Litigation

bdlaw.com Litigation Targeting Plastics Manufacturers

climateintegrity.org Plastics deception case against Exxon wins key ruling

Appeared in: 2026-11-06 (#14) · 2026-11-07 (#14)

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