If you purchased Hefty “Recycling” bags in Arizona, you may be eligible for a cash restitution payment from a settlement between the Arizona Attorney General and Reynolds Consumer Products over misleading recycling claims on their garbage bags.
Claim Deadline: October 1, 2026 | Arizona Residents Only
What Is This Settlement About?
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Reynolds Consumer Products (parent company of Hefty) in August 2025, alleging consumer fraud. Reynolds sold transparent blue and clear bags branded as “Recycling” bags with packaging that suggested the bags were suitable for curbside recycling.
In reality, the bags themselves are not recyclable at Arizona recycling facilities. Placing recyclables inside these bags can cause otherwise-recyclable materials to be diverted to landfill, and the bags can become entangled in recycling facility equipment, forcing facility shutdowns.
Who Qualifies?
Arizona consumers who purchased Reynolds’ “Recycling” bags or transparent blue or clear Hefty bags. This is an Arizona Attorney General enforcement action, so it covers Arizona residents who were affected by the misleading marketing.
How Much Can I Get?
- $30,000 total restitution pool for consumers
- Individual payment amounts depend on number of qualifying complaints filed
- Reynolds also pays $157,000 to the State of Arizona and $25,000 in costs
How to File a Claim
There is no dedicated settlement website. Arizona consumers must file a consumer complaint through the Arizona Attorney General’s Office before the October 1, 2026 deadline.
Important Dates
- Consent Judgment Signed: February 13, 2026
- Settlement Announced: February 23, 2026
- Claim/Complaint Deadline: October 1, 2026
Additional Details
As part of the settlement, Reynolds is required to redesign its packaging nationwide to remove misleading recycling claims. The company must also remove the word “Recycling” from bag branding and stop using images that suggest the bags are suitable for curbside recycling programs.
Note: A separate nationwide class action settlement for Hefty recycling bags ($3.3 million, Gudgel v. Reynolds) closed in December 2023 and is no longer accepting claims.
Case Details
| Case Name | State of Arizona v. Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. |
| Court | Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona |
| Type | Attorney General Enforcement Action |
| Consumer Restitution | $30,000 pool |
| Complaint Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
Sources
- Arizona Attorney General Press Release: AG Mayes Announces Settlement
View the Hefty Recycling Bags settlement details on OpenClassActions.com.
Updated: February 26, 2026
Filing Class Action Settlement Claims
Please submit only truthful information. False claims can be rejected and may carry penalties. If you are unsure whether you qualify, review the official notice or contact the settlement administrator. OpenClassActions.org is a consumer news site and is not a settlement administrator or a law firm.