Keurig Must Face Suit Over Labeling of ‘Recyclable’ Coffee Pods

Keurig Green Mountain Inc. can’t duck a proposed class suit alleging it deceptively touts single-serve coffee pods as “recyclable” when they can’t be recycled because of their size and composition.

Kathleen Smith alleged that although the pods are made of a plastic that’s accepted for recycling in approximately 61% of U.S. communities, the municipal facilities can’t capture materials as small as the pods and separate them from the general waste stream.

Keurig’s instructions further impede recyclability by advising users that they need not remove the paper filter, which ensures contamination, Smith alleged.

Smith, who alleged she overpaid because she thought ...