BFI Waste Services $40 Million Price Increase Settlement 2026, Claim Your $250 Refund Before the April 30 Deadline

If you were a commercial or industrial customer of BFI Waste Services, you may be eligible for a significant cash refund. As of February 2026, the BFI Waste Services $40 Million Price Increase Settlement is officially open for claims, with a strict filing deadline of April 30, 2026.

BFI Waste Services Settlement Overview and Background

The BFI Waste Services $40 Million Price Increase Settlement resolves a class action lawsuit (Case No: New Merkle Investors, LLC v. BFI Waste Services, LLC) filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The litigation alleged that BFI Waste Services and its affiliates implemented deceptive price increases for waste hauling and recycling services that exceeded what was permitted under their written customer contracts.

According to the lawsuit, the company allegedly raised rates by more than the combined total of 6% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), effectively overcharging thousands of businesses and property managers. While BFI Waste Services denies any wrongdoing, they agreed to a $40 million settlement fund to avoid a lengthy trial. As of February 2026, the claims process is in full swing, offering refunds to affected commercial and industrial entities across 13 states.

Claim Eligibility and Class Membership

You are considered a “Settlement Class Member” if you were an open-market commercial or industrial customer of BFI Waste Services or its affiliates and paid rate increases during specific periods. To determine if you are eligible, you must have resided in one of the following locations during the designated dates:

• Jan 1, 2017 – Sept 30, 2025: Florida, California, Illinois, South Carolina, and Jefferson County, Alabama.
• June 1, 2019 – Sept 30, 2025: Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
• Aug 1, 2021 – Sept 30, 2025: Pennsylvania.
• June 1, 2021 – Sept 30, 2025: Massachusetts.
• Sept 30, 2021 – Sept 30, 2025: Texas.
• Special Windows: Arkansas (2017–2018) and Oklahoma (2020–2021).

Exclusions: This settlement does not cover residential customers, customers under franchise agreements, or those whose contracts included a specific class action waiver signed after April 4, 2021.

Claim Filing Procedures and Deadlines

To receive a refund, you must submit a valid claim form before the window closes this spring.

• Claim Deadline: Your submission must be filed online or postmarked by April 30, 2026.
• Submission Methods: The fastest way to file is through the official claims portal at www.BFIWasteServicesSettlement.com. You may also mail a paper form to the Settlement Administrator in Philadelphia.
• Required Documentation: For a basic Account Number Claim, you only need your BFI account number. For a higher-value Contract Claim, you must provide a copy of your service contract and an invoice showing the price increase.
• Contact Information: For questions, contact the administrator at 1-888-510-1011.

Claim Amounts and Payout Calculations

The settlement fund is distributed based on the type of claim you file and the total number of participants:

1. Account Number Claims: Eligible members who provide only their account number will receive a flat payment of $100.
2. Contract Claims: Members who provide their full contract and billing records are eligible for a higher payout, estimated between $200 and $250.
3. Variable Adjustments: The final “Contract Claim” amount depends on participation. If 150,000 or fewer valid claims are filed, the payout hits the maximum of $250. If more than 190,000 claims are filed, the payout drops to the minimum of $200.

Payments are expected to be issued roughly 135 days after final court approval, which is anticipated in late March 2026. This means checks could arrive by August 2026.

What You Must Know

Critical Eligibility Rules

The most important detail for 2026 is the distinction between “Account” and “Contract” claims. You cannot file both; you must choose one path. Additionally, if your business operated without a written contract or under an expired contract that was never formally renewed, the administrator will likely deny your claim. The April 30, 2026, deadline is firm—there are currently no extensions planned.

Common Mistakes Claimants Make

Many businesses fail to recover their funds due to these frequent errors:

• Missing Invoices: For the $250 payout, you must show an invoice that reflects the price hike. Without this, your claim may be downgraded to the $100 tier.
• Duplicate Filings: Submitting multiple claims for the same service address can lead to the disqualification of all your submissions.
• Unsigned Contracts: If your internal records show a contract that BFI never fully executed or signed, you are technically excluded from the class.

2025–2026 Settlement Updates

As of February 13, 2026, the court has moved into the final stages of the settlement timeline. Notice postcards were mailed to identified customers throughout late 2025. If you did not receive a postcard but believe you were overcharged in a qualifying state, you can still search for your eligibility on the official website using your business name and address.

What to Do Next

How to File Your Claim: Step-by-Step

1. Gather Your Records: Locate your BFI Waste Services account number and, if possible, your 2017–2025 service contract.
2. Access the Portal: Go to BFIWasteServicesSettlement.com and enter the login credentials from your notice postcard.
3. Choose Your Tier: Select “Contract Claim” if you have your documents ready for the $250 payout, or “Account Number Claim” for the $100 payout.
4. Submit Before April 30: Ensure you complete the digital attestation and save your confirmation code.

How to Verify Settlement Information

To ensure you are using official channels and to avoid consumer protection scams, use only these verified resources:

• Official Website: www.BFIWasteServicesSettlement.com
• Claims Administrator: RG2 Claims Administration LLC (P.O. Box 59479, Philadelphia, PA 19102).
• Final Approval Status: Check the “Court Documents” section of the website after March 31, 2026, to see the final judgment.

Whether Legal Representation is Needed

The court has appointed Zimmerman Reed LLP and Hausfeld LLP as Class Counsel. They represent the entire class, and their fees are paid out of the $40 million fund, meaning you do not pay them out of pocket. You generally do not need a private lawyer for a standard claim. However, if your business suffered massive billing dispute losses far exceeding $250, you should consult an attorney before the March 17, 2026, opt-out deadline to decide if you want to pursue an individual lawsuit.

FAQs

What is the BFI Waste Services $40 Million Price Increase Settlement about?

This settlement resolves claims that BFI Waste Services overcharged commercial and industrial customers by increasing rates beyond the limits set in their written service contracts.

Am I eligible to claim in the BFI Waste Services settlement?

You are eligible if you were a commercial customer in one of 13 specific states (including CA, FL, TX, and MI) and paid price increases between 2017 and 2025.

What is the deadline to file a claim in the BFI Waste Services settlement?

The deadline to submit your claim form online or postmark a physical copy is April 30, 2026.

What documentation do I need to file a claim?

To receive the maximum $250 refund, you need your BFI account number, a copy of your contract, and an invoice showing the price increase.

How much will I receive from the BFI Waste Services settlement?

Eligible claimants will receive either $100 (account-only claim) or between $200 and $250 (full contract claim), depending on total participation.

How do I file a claim in the BFI Waste Services settlement?

Visit the official settlement portal at www.BFIWasteServicesSettlement.com and follow the instructions to file electronically.

Where can I find more information about the BFI Waste Services settlement?

The official website (bfiwasteservicessettlement.com) contains the full settlement agreement, the long-form notice, and contact information for the administrator.

Last Updated: February 13, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Ensure your business receives the refund it’s owed. File your BFI claim today.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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