EnviroWaste Services Group, Inc. has taken legal action against a former employee for allegedly misappropriating trade secrets and breaching contractual obligations. The complaint was filed by EnviroWaste in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina on November 25, 2025, against Jeff Carpenter, a former Manager of Business Development at the company.
The lawsuit centers around accusations that Carpenter wrongfully retained and used confidential information and trade secrets belonging to EnviroWaste after his resignation. These trade secrets include sensitive data such as client lists, sales processes, pricing information, and business development plans. EnviroWaste claims that Carpenter downloaded extensive amounts of this information from their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database shortly before leaving the company to join a competitor in Charlotte, North Carolina. The complaint alleges that Carpenter’s actions were in direct violation of his employment agreement with EnviroWaste, which included non-disclosure and non-compete clauses designed to protect the company’s proprietary information.
EnviroWaste asserts that Carpenter’s new role with Taplin Group LLC—a competitor—poses a significant threat to their business interests due to his access to their confidential data. The company is seeking injunctive relief to prevent further use or disclosure of their trade secrets by Carpenter and is demanding the return of all proprietary information he may have retained. Additionally, they are pursuing compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 for the alleged breaches.
The legal filing outlines multiple claims against Carpenter including misappropriation of trade secrets under both federal and state laws, unfair trade practices, computer trespass, and breach of contract. EnviroWaste is represented by attorneys Sarah F. Hutchins and Chris Henry from Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP. The case has been assigned Civil Action No: 3:25-cv-00953.
EnviroWaste is adamant about enforcing its rights under the Defend Trade Secrets Act and seeks not only monetary compensation but also court orders to ensure Carpenter ceases any competitive activities that could harm their business operations.
Source: 325cv00953_EWSG_of_NG_LLC_v_Carpenter_Complaint_Western_District_North_Carolina.pdf
