Recology Inc. $700K Data Breach Class Action Settlement

Consumers who received a notice from Recology Inc. or its authorized representative about a data breach discovered on or around Nov. 2, 2023, may qualify to claim up to $2,000 or an alternative cash payment from a class action settlement.

Recology agreed to resolve a lawsuit alleging it failed to adequately protect personal information, resulting in a data breach that exposed sensitive data.

Who can file a Recology claim?

Class members qualify to file a claim if they received a notice via mail or other means from Recology or its authorized representative about the data breach incident discovered on or about Nov. 2, 2023.

The information potentially exposed in the incident may have included:

• Names
• Dates of birth
• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Other personal data

How much can class members get?

• Out-of-pocket expenses: Up to $2,000 in documented losses related to the data breach. These include:
• Bank fees
• Postage
• Copying or scanning costs
• Mileage or parking costs
• Notary charges
• Fees for credit monitoring or identity theft insurance purchased between Nov. 2, 2023, and Oct. 1,2025
• Other documented expenses directly resulting from the breach

• Alternative cash payment: In lieu of out-of-pocket expense reimbursement, a flat cash payment estimated at $50 to $60 but determined on a pro rata basis depending on the number of valid claims submitted and costs for attorneys’ fees, service awards and administration costs

How to claim a data breach payment

Class members can submit the online claim form or download, print, complete and mail the PDF claim form to the settlement administrator. The claim form must be submitted online or postmarked by Oct. 1, 2025.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Recology Data Settlement c/o Simpluris Inc., P.O. Box 25226 Santa Ana, CA 92799

Class members whose address changes after submitting a claim should notify the settlement administrator.

Is proof or documentation required to submit a claim?

• To file an online claim, class members must provide the unique ID and PIN located on their postcard notice. Those who are unable to locate their ID and PIN should contact info@RecologyDataSettlement.com and provide the class member’s full name and mailing address.
• For out-of-pocket expense claims, class members must provide supporting documentation, such as receipts or statements, showing the expenses are a result of the incident.
• For alternative cash payment claims, class members must select the appropriate option.

Payout options

• Electronic payment
• Paper check

$700,000 settlement fund breakdow

The settlement fund will cover:

• Settlement administration costs: $200,000
• Attorneys' fees: Up to $233,333.33
• Attorneys' costs: To be determined
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,500
• Payments to eligible class members: The remainder of the fund

Important dates

• Opt-out deadline: Sept. 16, 2025
• Claim deadline: Oct. 1, 2025
• Final approval hearing: Oct. 16, 2025

When is the Recology data breach settlement payout date?

Payments will be distributed approximately 46 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged Recology did not prevent a data breach discovered on or around Nov. 2, 2023. Claims included negligence, breach of implied contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing and violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law.

Recology denies all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the risks and costs of further litigation and trial.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement
3. Claim form
4. Settlement FAQ