ACTIS LAW GROUP is lead counsel on a Canada-wide class action lawsuit against the manufacturer, marketer and seller of the Earth Rated pet waste bags on behalf of all Canadian individuals who purchased Earth Rated’s Certified Compostable Poop Bags, which were allegedly falsely or misleadingly represented to be compostable. In reality, neither the intended contents of the bags, nor the bags themselves (regardless of the contents) are actually capable of being composted in the majority of cities in Canada or else are entirely valueless, since they are typically sent to the landfill alongside other plastics. Municipal composting programs generally do not accept compostable plastic, pet waste and/or pet waste in compostable plastic due to health risks (such as E.Coli, parasites, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens).
The Federal Trade Commission in the United States published the “Green Guides”, which indicate that consumers often assume that unqualified “compostable claims” mean a product will break down safely and at the same rate as natural materials, like leaves and grass clippings, in their home compost. When marketers specify that a product only composts in commercial or municipal facilities, consumers tend to believe such facilities are accessible in their area. However, dog waste is usually not safe for home composting, and very few facilities actually do accept it. As a result, the compostable claims for these products are false and misleading.
A settlement agreement was reached in the United States for US$825,000.00 whereby consumers that purchased these bags can receive a monetary payment if they file a valid claim. In addition, the Earth Rated Certified Compostable Poop Bags are no longer available for purchase in the United States, although they remain available in Canada.
The Earth Rated’s Certified Compostable Poop Bags are available in two sizes; 120 bags (with a suggested retail price of $16.99) and 225 bags (with a suggested retail price of $25.99). Compared to regular Earth Rated poop bags, they have a suggested retail price of $8.99 and, if you purchase another brand, they are available at an even lower cost.
The Defendant is charging a premium based on its claims of compostability and is taking advantage of consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.
If you or someone you know purchased Earth Rated Certified Compostable Bags and would like to receive more information about potential compensation or to be kept informed about the status of the Earth Rated Certified Compostable Bags Canadian Class Action Lawsuit or any resulting compensation arising from this Class Action lawsuit in Canada, please provide your contact information to our law firm using the form below.