Target Flushable Wipes Class Action: Consumer Update

Earlier this year, a judge denied Target’s motion to dismiss the lead plaintiff’s allegations against the retailer’s Up & Up brand flushable moist wipes.

Lead plaintiff Christopher Meta brought forth allegation against Target’s Up & Up brand in his class action lawsuit against Target filed in Ohio federal court in 2014.

Meta brought 11 counts against Target in the flushable wipes class action lawsuit, and Ohio federal judge Donald C. Nugent dismissed three of the lawsuit’s common law claims as well as the lawsuit’s negligent misrepresentation claim, but retained many of the other allegations against the product.

The claims that were not dismissed in the Target flushable wipes class action lawsuit include product liability claims, fraud, breach of implied warranty, unjust enrichment and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act claims. The members of the flushable wipes class action lawsuit feel hopeful as the lawsuit has been allowed to continue to address the majority of the original claims brought against the retailer.

The Target Flushable Wipes Class Action Lawsuit is Meta v. Target Corporation, Case No. 4:14-cv-00832, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

UPDATE: On Sept. 20, 2016, an Ohio federal judge certified a Class of consumers bringing breach of warranty claims against Target over flushable wipes that allegedly do not disperse after flushing and instead result in clogged sewer lines and septic systems, causing sewage backups and even flooding.

UPDATE 2: May 2018, the Target flushable wipes class action settlement is now open. Click here to file a claim.

UPDATE 3: On May 11, 2019, Top Class Actions viewers started receiving checks in the mail worth as much as $27 from the Target flushable wipes class action settlement. Congratulations to everyone who filed a claim and got PAID!

Are Flushable Wipes Actually Flushable?

Flushable wipes have been marketed as an alternative to toilet tissue, allowing the user to feel cleaner and fresher than using conventional toilet paper. Of course, they have also been marketed as being flushable, and safe to use for sewer and septic systems. Many consumers have disagreed on the safety claim, as their $3 purchase allegedly cost them thousands in plumbing repairs.

Class action lawsuits against flushable wipes have been filed across the country for various brands. Adult wet wipes, baby wipes and toddler wipes are all included in the allegedly defective products. Among some of the brands under investigation in class action lawsuits include:

• Babyganics® flushable wipes
• Charmin Freshmates
• CVS flushable wipes
• Equate® flushable wipes by Wal-Mart
• Kandoo® flushable wipes by Pampers
• up & up® flushable wipes by Target
• Walgreens flushable wipes
• Other flushable wipe products

The allegations against these companies began when consumers noticed clogged toilets, stopped up pipes in the plumbing system, sewer system clogs and problems with septic tanks. The wipes were marketed and branded with the word “flushable” as part of the label, but experience proved otherwise.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has teamed together with other national agencies to address the problems caused by flushable wipes. Not only is the consumer affected by having his or her plumbing damaged locally, the utility companies are having to deal with the problem of flushable wipes on a larger level. NACWA urges consumers not to flush flushable wipes due to their impact on the entire public utility system.

In short, it is best to not flush your so-called flushable wipes, as doing so can affect your plumbing as well as the community’s sewer system.

Flushable Wet Wipes Class Action Lawsuit Information

If you experienced a clogged toilet, pipes, sewer system or septic system as a result of using flushable wipes, you may be able to participate in a class action lawsuit. Attorneys can assist you in determining your eligibility by reviewing your case during a complimentary consultation.

Join a Flushable Wipes Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased one of the following flushable wet wipes, you may qualify to join a free class action lawsuit investigation:

• Babyganics® flushable wipes
• Charmin Freshmates
• CVS flushable wipes
• Equate® flushable wipes by Wal-Mart
• Kandoo® flushable wipes by Pampers
• up & up® flushable wipes by Target
• Walgreens flushable wipes
• Other flushable wipe products

Join Now