Home Depot has discontinued its dumpster rental service, but the company that ran the operation for the nation’s fourth-largest retailer is still using the Internet domain “www.hddumpster.com,” bringing repercussions.
Atlanta-based Home Depot last week filed suit against Oakleaf Waste Management in U.S. District Court, contending the East Hartford, Conn., company is utilizing the Web site and a toll-free number (1-800-HD-DUMPSTER) in violation of trademark law.
On Monday, the toll free number said the program was discontinued. The Web site, however, sent users directly to a site called Wastebox, operated by Oakleaf.
Oakleaf had handled dumpster rental service for Home Depot since 2006, providing dumpster drop-off and pick-up at Home Depot stores nationwide.
Home Depot terminated its contract with Oakleaf in December, with an agreement to complete the service by April. Oakleaf was supposed to stop using any Home Depot trademarks or logos at that time, court documents said.
The retailer was seeking an injunction and damages, and has requested a jury trial.
"We are working to understand the basis of their claim and will soon be in communication with them,” said Marc Okrant, Oakleaf vice president of marketing.
Home Depot spokesman Stephen Holmes said the company discontinued the dumpster service because demand was low and the dumpsters were an unwanted look for the stores.
“There wasn’t enough demand to justify the logistical requirements, and, because we had to keep dumpsters in front of our stores, we didn’t feel they were conducive to a good store appearance,” Holmes said.
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