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This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
Update 2: On Oct. 30, 2020, Top Class Actions viewers started receiving checks in the mail worth up to $4.20. Congratulations to everyone who filed a claim and got PAID!
UPDATE: The N.Y. Charmin Freshmates Wipes Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on July 27, 2020. Please note that claims will not be paid until after the claim deadline passes. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
New York consumers who purchased Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes thinking they would be safe for their plumbing, could get up to $50 from a class action settlement.
Class Members are limited to those in New York who purchased Charmin brand pre-moistened wipes that contained the word “flushable” on their packaging. The purchases must have been made between May 23, 2011 and March 6, 2020.
A number of class action lawsuits were filed over Charmin Freshmates “flushable” wipes. According to the complaints, the wipe maker, Procter & Gamble, falsely advertised that the product could be flushed down the toilet. However, consumers complained that the wipes clogged up and otherwise negatively affected plumbing and septic systems.
“Although the packaging on the wipes states that the wipes are ‘flushable,’ ‘septic safe,’ and ‘safe for sewer and septic systems,’ the Complaint alleges that the wipes are not suitable for disposal by flushing down a toilet, are not regarded as flushable by municipal sewage system operators, do not disperse upon flushing, and routinely damage or clog plumbing pipes, septic systems, and sewage lines and pumps,” states the settlement agreement.
According to one Charmin class action lawsuit, Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes did not sufficiently breakdown to pass through pipes. This allegedly causes them to build up in plumbing systems, resulting in clogged toilets, backed up sewers, and other expensive plumbing and septic problems.
Consumers complained of problems that cost hundreds of dollars to fix that plumbers told them were the result of flushing the so-called flushable wipes. The plaintiffs claimed that Procter & Gamble knew that the wipes would not appropriately break down to smoothly run through plumbing and septic systems; however, they falsely advertised the wipes as “flushable.”
In addition, the plaintiffs stated that they and other consumers paid a premium for Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes, and other Charmin brand wipes, because the labels indicated they would be safe to flush down the toilet.
In one class action lawsuit, Procter & Gamble attempted to argue that the problems were the result of old plumbing. However, a New York federal judge agreed to certify two of six Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes class action lawsuits.
Ultimately, Procter & Gamble agreed to settle class action lawsuits, although they refuse to admit that Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes do not perform as advertised.
“P&G denies all of [the plaintiff’s] allegations. P&G, to avoid the costs, disruption, and distraction of further litigation, and without admitting the truth of any allegations made in or related to the Action, or any liability with respect thereto, has concluded that it is desirable that the claims against it be settled and dismissed on the terms reflected in this Agreement,” notes the settlement agreement.
Under the terms of the Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes class action settlement, Procter & Gamble has agreed to both pay Class Members who make valid claims and make some changes to how it produces and manufactures the product.
Specifically, the settlement agreement points out that Procter & Gamble has stopped using a substance in its wipes that may have led to the problems.
According to the settlement, synthetic biocomponent fibers, also known as polyester/polyolefin fibers, haven’t been used in the wipes since 2016. Procter & Gamble have agreed to discontinue use of these fibers for at least another two years.
Procter & Gamble have also agreed to include the following statement on its products: “Your satisfaction is guaranteed. For details of our refund program go to our website at https//www.charmin.com/en-us/about-us/flushable-wipes-guarantee.” In addition, the company has agreed to provide details about a satisfaction guarantee on the website, including information about refunds.
Further, the packaging on Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes will include a statement indicating that consumers should use the wipe in only “well-maintained plumbing systems,” along with language regarding industry standards, and remove statements indicating the product is “septic safe” and “safe for sewer and septic systems.”
The Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes class action settlement will also provide partial refunds to Class Members who made their purchases in New York.
Class Members can claim up to $50.20, depending on the number of products purchased and if they retained proof of purchase. Class Members with proof of purchase can claim $1.20 for the first package of wipes they purchased and $1 for each one after, for a total of $50.20.
Proof of purchase includes the label or bar code or a copy of an itemized sales receipt showing the retailer and date of purchase.
Class Members without proof of purchase can claim $.70 for each package of Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes they purchased up to a total of $6.30.
Claim forms are available online or it can be printed and mailed to the claims administrator. Claim forms must be submitted and received by Aug. 22, 2020.
Consumers who wish to opt out of or exclude themselves from the Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes class action settlement must do so by June 25, 2020.
Who’s Eligible
Consumers who purchased Charmin Freshmates flushable wipes or other pre-moistened wipe with “flushable” on the packaging sold under the Charmin brand in New York between May 23, 2011 and March 6, 2020.
Potential Award
Up to $50.20.
- Consumers with proof of purchase can claim $1.20 for the first package they purchased, and $1 for subsequent purchases, up to $50.20.
- Consumers without proof of purchase can claim $.70 per package they purchased for a total of $6.30.
Proof of Purchase
Proof of purchase is not required, but Class Members can claim more money if they provide the label or bar code portion from the package, rather than a photocopy or digital image.
Alternatively, Class Members can submit an original or copied image of an itemized sales receipt. The receipt must show the date and place of purchase, the name of the product, and the price paid.
Claim Form
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.
Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.
Claim Form Deadline
8/22/2020
Case Name
Belfiore v. The Procter & Gamble Co., Case No. 2:14-cv-04090, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Final Hearing
7/23/2020
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Class Counsel
Chet B. Waldman
Matthew Insley-Pruitt
WOLF POPPER LLP
Defense Counsel
Harold P. Weinberger
Eileen M. Patt
KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP
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44 thoughts onN.Y. Charmin Freshmates Wipes Class Action Settlement
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I received an email today from the Settlement Administrator indicating that I am ineligible. I made these purchases in New York when I lived there but not longer do. The agreement only stipulates that these were made in the State of New York. On the claim form was a section to note what state these purchases were made as well.
From the Settlement Notice: “You are a member of the Settlement Class (“Settlement Class Member”) if, between May 23, 2011 and March 6, 2020, you purchased the Product anywhere in the State of New York.”
If you read the claim form you have to be in New York to file a claim!
You only had to have made the purchases in the State of New York. There is nothing about having to currently reside in New York. What about all those people who lived in New York and no longer live there?
From the settlement notice:
“You are a member of the Settlement Class (“Settlement Class Member”) if, between May 23, 2011 and March 6, 2020, you purchased the Product anywhere in the State of New York.”
Only if the settlement is reversed then the action continues on behalf of those IN New York:
“To be clear, this class is somewhat different than the Settlement Class discussed above. It is defined as “All persons and entities who purchased Charmin Freshmates in the State of New York between May 23, 2011 and March 1, 2017.”
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Who can I contact about damages done by charmin wipes causing damages on my septic system. I have reciepts and proof of damages done were causes by these wipes. Who may i contact about this type of lawsuit? Email me ashleypezas123@gmail.com thank you.
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