Dishonest Billing Practices - Charge for services not rendered
On July 1, 2026, my account was automatically charged $115.02 for the 3-month billing period spanning July 1 through September 30, 2026. Because service is terminating at the end of July, DSI will not provide trash or recycling pickup for the remaining two months (August and September 2026).
When I contacted customer service, I was informed that DSI relies on fine print on the back of statement receipts to refuse refunds for prepaid charges. Refusing a pro-rated refund under these circumstances violates Minnesota consumer protection laws:
Violation of Minn. Stat. § 325G.57 & § 325G.58 (Automatic Renewal & Continuous Service): Terms regarding non-refundable prepayments were never clearly or conspicuously disclosed prior to autopay authorization. Post-enrollment invoice fine print does not fulfill statutory pre-charge disclosure requirements.
Violation of Minn. Stat. § 325F.69, Subd. 1 (Minnesota Consumer Fraud Act): Retaining funds for services that will not be rendered based on undisclosed post-enrollment terms constitutes an unfair and unconscionable practice.
Violation of Minn. Stat. § 325D.44 (Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act): Concealing restrictive refund policies until after billing setup creates deceptive commercial misunderstanding.
Unearned Revenue & Unjust Enrichment: As a non-contractual, month-to-month residential customer, retaining $76.68 for two months of unrendered services constitutes unearned revenue under Minnesota contract principles.
When I sent an email asking for a refund for the service that they are not prividing, they replied with this:
"After reviewing your account and request, we must respectfully decline the refund request.
Per our company policy, prepaid service charges are non-refundable upon cancellation of service. This policy is disclosed on the back of our customer invoices and billing statements. Additionally, during your cancellation call, you were advised that any prepaid services remaining on the account would not be refunded if you chose to proceed with canceling service. Your account was billed in accordance with the established billing cycle, and the charges were assessed prior to your voluntary decision to discontinue service.
Therefore, no refund or account credit will be issued for the remaining prepaid portion of the billing period."
As I am not under a contract, charging for service that isn't being provided in an attempt to force you to stay with them is simply bad business.
I would avoid this company as their dealings seem very dishonest.