Republic Services Price Increase and Fee Class Action

REPUBLIC SERVICES PRICE INCREASE AND FEE CLASS ACTION

The attorneys at Price Armstrong, LLC, and co-counsel across the country, are pursuing putative class action lawsuits against Republic Services, Inc. based upon pricing and fee practices that are understood to be prevalent across its commercial customer base. These lawsuits allege two general unlawful practices.

UNLAWFUL PRICE INCREASE

The class action complaints allege that Republic Services has implemented a practice whereby it increases the rates charged to commercial customers by more than is allowed by contact. Republic uses the same, preprinted for contract to enter into agreements with businesses for solid waste disposal services. This contract is usually for a long term (at least three years) and auto-renews. The purpose of the agreement is to establish a set price for the services provided. But, Plaintiffs allege, after locking customers into these agreements Republic unilaterally and repeatedly increases prices without any contractual justification for doing so. The result is that Republic customers pay far more for services than agreed. The class action price increase complaints against Republic allege that these price increases constitute a breach of contract, a violation of state deceptive trade practices law, and have resulted in Republic being unjustly enriched at its customers’ expense.

UNLAWFUL FUEL RECOVERY FEES

Additionally, the class action complaints allege that Republic Services has overcharged its customers for years through a fee it calls a “Fuel Recovery Fee.” This fee may also be called a “Fuel/Environmental Recovery Fee.” Under either name, Plaintiffs allege that the Fuel Recovery Fee (or fuel surcharge) is not based upon an actual cost that Republic incurs but instead operates as a hidden price mechanism. Plaintiffs allege that the Fuel Recovery Fee Table Republic created is used to hide the fact that the fee is not related to any increased fuel cost Republic incurs, that Republic already recovers such fuel costs through the base rate it charges, and that Republic deliberately implemented it to garner excessive, unearned profit from its small-business and commercial customers. Judges in venues across the country have held that when such a fee is implemented, it must bear a reasonable relationship to fuel costs actually incurred. These lawsuits allege that Republic’s fuel recovery fee and environmental recovery fee do not do so and thus are unlawful.

HOW TO JOIN THE REPUBLIC SERVICES PRICE INCREASE AND FEE LAWSUIT

If you entered into a contract with Republic Services (or any of its predecessor or subsidiary entities) you may have been affected by these practices. Lawsuits are ongoing now and you may be able to participate if so and to recover monetary damages. The attorneys at Price Armstrong LLC are lead counsel for this litigation and would be happy to provide a no cost evaluation of your potential claims. Please CONTACT US through the chat button on this page, or through our contact form below as soon as possible. All legal claims may be subject to time limits and litigation is progressing quickly.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

If you have evidence you were impacted by the Republic Services price and fee increase, contact the attorneys at Price Armstrong. We can help you seek justice and protect your rights throughout the process. We represent clients nationwide with three offices in Birmingham, AL, Tallahassee, FL and Albany, GA. Complete a form, start a chat or call us today at (205) 208-9588 for a free initial consultation and review of your case. Let us fight for you – call now!