Waste Management to Pay $9 Million in Attorneys' Fees

Settlement with pension funds over acquisition misrepresentation

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Waste Management Inc. has been ordered to pay $9 million in attorneys' fees to the law firms representing pension funds in a $30 million settlement. The settlement resolves a shareholder class action alleging the garbage collection company misrepresented the timeline of its $4.6 billion acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services Inc.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles and costs companies face when accused of misleading investors, especially around major mergers and acquisitions. The attorneys' fees represent a significant portion of the overall settlement, underscoring the high stakes for both sides in these types of shareholder lawsuits.

The details

The $9 million in attorneys' fees will be split between Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP and the Law Office of David Harrison PLLC, the two law firms representing the pension funds in the class action lawsuit. The settlement, finalized in December 2025, resolves allegations that Waste Management misrepresented the timeline of its $4.6 billion acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services.

  • The $30 million settlement with pension funds was finalized in December 2025.
  • The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York approved the $9 million in attorneys' fees on February 17, 2026.

The players

Waste Management Inc.

A major garbage collection and environmental services company.

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

A law firm representing the pension funds in the class action lawsuit against Waste Management.

Law Office of David Harrison PLLC

A law firm representing the pension funds in the class action lawsuit against Waste Management.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the high legal costs companies can face when accused of misleading investors, especially around major mergers and acquisitions. The $9 million in attorneys' fees represents a significant portion of the overall $30 million settlement, highlighting the stakes for both sides in these types of shareholder lawsuits.