Denver Sues Philip Morris Over Cigarette Litter Pollution

• Denver sued Philip Morris USA and other tobacco companies over cigarette litter costs.
• The city estimates that between 80,000 to 100,000 adults in the Denver metro area smoke cigarettes.
• Cigarette filters are made from nonbiodegradable cellulose acetate, which persists in the environment as microplastics.
• Denver is seeking to recover public costs associated with addressing pollution caused by cigarette litter.

The city claims that the defendants have engaged in a pattern of behavior that prioritizes their financial interests over the well-being of the community and the environment.

Denver's lawsuit against Philip Morris USA and other tobacco companies is not just about cleaning up litter, but also about who should bear the costs of addressing environmental pollution. The city estimates that between 80,000 to 100,000 adults in the Denver metro area smoke cigarettes, resulting in a significant amount of nonbiodegradable cigarette filters being discarded around the city. These filters are made from cellulose acetate, a synthetic plastic polymer that does not biodegrade under ordinary environmental conditions. As a result, the trash left behind by smokers amounts to a continuing nuisance and trespass on municipal property. The city claims that the tobacco industry has long known what happens to their product after use, citing a 1979 report advising companies on how to avoid liability under modern litter laws.

The tobacco industry's knowledge of the environmental impact of cigarette filters dates back decades. In fact, Philip Morris' own website warns that there could be more cigarette butts than fish in the oceans by the end of the decade. Despite this warning, the industry has continued to prioritize profits over environmental responsibility. The city claims that the defendants have engaged in a pattern of behavior that prioritizes their financial interests over the well-being of the community and the environment. This includes ignoring the fact that cigarette filters fragment into microplastics, which persist in the environment and continue to require municipal collection, removal, management, and disposal.

Denver's lawsuit is not just about recovering the costs of cleaning up cigarette litter, but also about holding the tobacco industry accountable for their actions. The city alleges that the defendants have engaged in a series of negligent and reckless practices that have resulted in significant environmental harm. By seeking to recover the public costs associated with addressing this pollution, Denver is trying to shift the burden from taxpayers to those who are responsible for creating it. This case has important implications for product liability and consumer protection laws, as it highlights the need for manufacturers to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products.

Denver is seeking to recover the costs of cleaning up cigarette litter from taxpayers, arguing that tobacco manufacturers should be held liable for the environmental impact of their products. Lawyers may need to advise clients on potential product liability and consumer protection law implications.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News