In recent times, the cost of coffee has risen significantly. However, a potential $1.85-million settlement with Keurig, a coffee pod company, could offer some compensation to consumers.
A notice was issued on Monday, indicating that Canadians who bought Keurig pods, machines, or brewing systems in Canada between June 8, 2016, and now may qualify for a payout from a lawsuit asserting that the company misrepresented the recyclability of its pods.
Keurig Canada acknowledged that while their marketing suggested the pods were easily recyclable in all municipalities where they were sold, in reality, K-Cup pods are only widely recyclable in British Columbia and Quebec.
The company has committed to adjusting its pod and brewer packaging, as well as its future advertisements. Additionally, they will pay an administrative monetary penalty and contribute to an environmental charity.
If you are eligible for a share of the settlement, the process will be explained below.
About the lawsuit
The lawsuit filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice alleges that Keurig’s K-Cup pods and brewing machines in Canada made misleading claims regarding the recyclability of the pods since June 8, 2016.
Although Keurig denies any wrongdoing and claims its actions were legal, a proposed settlement has been reached between the plaintiff and defendant to avoid further legal uncertainties and costs.
The lawsuit was certified on Oct. 22, 2025, subject to settlement approval.
Previously, the Competition Bureau of Canada investigated Keurig for misleading claims about the recyclability of its single-use plastic beverage pods, which were only widely accepted for recycling in Quebec and British Columbia.
The settlement
The $1.85-million settlement is awaiting court approval in December. After deducting various expenses, the remaining amount will be distributed among eligible Settlement Class members.
The approval hearing in December will determine if the settlement is fair and in the best interests of the Settlement Class.
If approved, class members who submit valid Claim Forms may qualify for a cash payment.
The payment
Claims can be submitted for pods and brewers purchased since June 8, 2016. Proof of purchase is not mandatory for pods but can result in a higher payment. However, proof of purchase is required for brewers.
Claimants without proof of purchase may receive up to $7 per claim for pods, while those with proof of purchase could receive up to $50 per claim. Those with both pod and brewer proof of purchase may receive up to $25 per claim for the brewer.
Proof of purchase can include receipts, email order confirmations, or shipping confirmations.
How to get in on it
If you purchased Keurig products in Canada from June 8, 2016, onwards, you may be eligible for compensation. If the settlement is approved, a claim form will be available online, with a 180-day submission deadline specified in the Notice of Settlement Approval.
Alternatively, you can opt out of the settlement by submitting a form before Nov. 28.
