City of Painesville files Temporary, Preliminary and Permanent Injunction in Common Pleas Court

(CITY OF PAINESVILLE) - On June 23, 2026, the City of Painesville filed a Verified Complaint for a Temporary, Preliminary and Permanent Injunction in Lake County Common Pleas Court against Browning-Ferris Industries of Ohio (doing business as Republic Services). This case was then transferred to U.S. Federal District Court in Cleveland at the request of Republic Services.

The City, in its lawsuit for an injunction, informed the Court that the Contract does not contain any language that would allow Republic Services to charge a fee of $50.00 per cart fee in order to collect the carts at the end of the contract between the City and Republic. The City has asked Republic to rescind this $50.00 cart collection fee. Republic Services has refused to do so.  

A Temporary Restraining Order hearing was held Friday morning (June 26, 2026), before the Federal Judge assigned to the Case. The City offered testimony as to why this $50.00 fee is not allowed under the terms of the Contract and why the Court should issue an Order that requires Republic Services to rescind the $50.00 fee.

The Court at the conclusion of the testimony took the matter under advisement. The City expects a ruling from the Court in approximately 21 days.

Residents are advised that if they have paid this fee, and if the City prevails in this lawsuit, the fee will be returned. While the City of Painesville believes it will be successful in contesting the charge, residents will have to make their own decision as to whether they will pay the fee at this time.