U.S. News
Costco Settles Flushable Wipes Lawsuit for $2 million, No Admission of Guilt
Clear Facts
- Costco has agreed to a $2 million settlement in a class action lawsuit over its Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes.
- The lawsuit was filed by consumers who claim the wipes caused damage to their plumbing systems. Despite the settlement, Costco has not admitted any wrongdoing.
- Eligible customers who bought the product between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017, can claim a minimum of $7.50, up to a maximum of $55.90, without a proof of purchase.
Without admitting guilt, Costco, the popular membership-only warehouse club, has agreed to a $2 million settlement in a class action lawsuit. This lawsuit was brought forward because their Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes allegedly caused damage to customers’ plumbing systems.
Customers who purchased these wipes between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017, may be entitled to a share of this settlement. In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs argue, “Consumers argue they would not have purchased the wipes if they knew they were not truly flushable as advertised.”
This sentiment is shared by Alexander Kraus, a maintenance worker for Kenosha Water Utility, who is skeptical of the concept of a “flushable” wipe. Kraus notes that these wipes often remain intact in sewers and can cause significant blockages over time.
“They cling onto any small deposits or points where tree roots make their way into the sewer laterals,” Kraus stated. “It’s just a matter of time before a backup occurs, especially from apartment complexes.” He also emphasized that while most blockages can be cleared within an hour, it’s a temporary fix. “It’s just a stop gap until it clogs up, and we’re out to do it all over again.”, he added.
At times, these blockages require more drastic measures, such as excavating and repairing the sewer lateral, a full eight-hour project, Kraus noted.
Costco has not issued a response to the settlement news but continues to sell the Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes. Interestingly, the product packaging advises customers to “Never flush more than one wipe at a time.”
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
David Wayyne Deel
July 7, 2024 at 7:25 pm
After reading this, well, to tell the truth, shouldn’t the makers of the flushable
wipes be the ones ponying up the cash instead of COSTCO?
Elizabeth Butler
July 7, 2024 at 8:31 pm
These wipes of ANY brand should never be flushed. And should never be labeled as flushable or advertised as such.
Gregory Hellwig
July 7, 2024 at 10:58 pm
Elizabeth, I wholeheartedly agree with you. ALL manufacturers and advertisers of ANY “Flushable Wipe / handi wipe, disposable diapers, facial wipes, etc, etc, should be made to change their advertising of ALL of these types of products to NOT claim they are “flushable”. True, they might be capable of being flushed down a toilet, BUT, they do NOT belong down a toilet, regardless of whether you are on a sewer system or septic system. These things do NOT belong down a toilet. They do NOT dissolve like toilet paper. Most of my rental properties are on septic systems and these things and feminine products or condoms have clogged up the drain systems, caused backups into the apts with septic water and then have to remove and dispose of carpet and/ or LVT and decontaminate everything. All these manufacturers and advertisers should be in a class action lawsuit. In my leases I have a complete page of “Do Not dos” including do NOT flush anything down the toilet except Number 1 and 2 and toilet paper only. People do not have any common sense anymore and don’t think for themselves. They believe everything they read in advertising. This is why McD’s has a sign warning that coffee may be hot. I have lost thousands to these da*& wipes and female products. Home Depot and Lowes have displays in their toilet section claiming and showing on some models you can flush 8 billiard balls down a particular toilet. KIds will see this and they will try this somewhere. People today are stupid. I see it everyday. Frustrated landlord.