Walmart has agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by California officials that alleged the retail giant illegally dumped hazardous waste in municipal landfills throughout the state. The settlement also requires Walmart to hire an independent, third-party auditor to conduct waste audits at its facilities in California for the next four years. The audit results will be shared with various state agencies and district attorneys. Walmart will have to pay $4.3 million in civil penalties and $3.2 million in reimbursements if the settlement is approved by a court judge. The company has also agreed to continue operating and maintaining its hazardous waste programs to comply with California’s Hazardous Waste Control Law.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the importance of ensuring that Walmart takes the necessary steps to handle and dispose of hazardous waste as required by law. The lawsuit, which was filed by the attorney general’s office along with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and district attorneys from 12 counties, alleged that Walmart stores sent thousands of containers of toxic aerosols and liquid waste to municipal landfills. Violations of various environmental laws, including the Hazardous Waste Control Law, Medical Waste Management Act, and Unfair Competition Law, were found during inspections conducted from 2015 to 2021. Walmart has previously settled similar lawsuits in California and Missouri, paying significant fines to address illegal disposal practices.
The illegal disposal of hazardous waste poses serious risks to the environment, public health, and worker safety. District Attorney Todd Spitzer of Orange County highlighted the importance of holding businesses like Walmart accountable for violations of environmental laws. The settlement with Walmart is aimed at ensuring that the company complies with regulations and prevents further illegal dumping of hazardous waste. The company’s compliance program is recognized as effective in keeping hazardous waste out of public landfills. The settlement includes provisions for ongoing waste audits and modifications to Walmart’s hazardous waste programs to meet California’s regulatory requirements.
Walmart has a history of legal issues related to hazardous waste disposal, including previous settlements in California and Missouri. The company has paid fines and made commitments to address past violations of environmental laws. The recent settlement with California officials is a step towards accountability and compliance with regulations to prevent further harm to the environment and public health. The attorney general’s office and district attorneys involved in the lawsuit are committed to protecting the public and ensuring that businesses like Walmart take responsibility for their actions. The settlement agreement establishes a framework for ongoing monitoring and enforcement to ensure that Walmart’s hazardous waste management practices meet legal standards and prevent future violations.
