Category: Retail

Walmart to Pay $7.5M for Illegal Waste Disposal in California

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) has agreed to a $7.5 million settlement with California over allegations of illegally disposing hazardous waste in municipal landfills across the state. The settlement, announced Tuesday by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, addresses the improper dumping of various toxic materials including batteries, aerosol insecticides, cleaning supplies, electronic waste, and latex paints.

The retail giant will pay $4.3 million in civil penalties and $3.2 million in reimbursements, pending approval from an Alameda County Superior Court judge. The agreement also requires Walmart to undergo three annual waste audits by an independent third-party auditor at its California facilities over the next four years.

State officials conducted 70 inspections between 2015 and 2021, uncovering thousands of containers of toxic materials in municipal landfills, including spray paints, rust removers, bleach, pesticides, and over-the-counter drugs. These disposal practices allegedly violated multiple state laws, including the Hazardous Waste Control Law and Medical Waste Management Act.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, involved the attorney general’s office, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and district attorneys from 12 counties including Alameda, Fresno, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Bernardino. “Walmart’s illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste not only violated California laws, but, if left unchecked, posed a threat to human health and the environment,” Bonta said.

Walmart, while agreeing to maintain and modify its hazardous waste programs to ensure compliance, defended its existing practices. The company said that the settlement’s requirement to “maintain” its pre-existing waste compliance program demonstrates its effectiveness.

This isn’t Walmart’s first settlement regarding hazardous waste disposal. The company paid $25 million in a similar California case in 2010, $1.25 million to Missouri in 2012, and pleaded guilty to federal misdemeanors in 2013 as part of an $81 million agreement covering violations in both California and Missouri.

The retailer must share future audit results with state officials and district attorneys from the involved counties as part of ongoing compliance monitoring.


Information for this story was found via AP News, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Walmart to Pay $7.5M for Illegal Waste Disposal in California

October 24, 2024, 11:22:00 AM

Canadian Small Businesses Set to Save $1 Billion with New Credit Card Fee Reductions

October 18, 2024, 03:07:00 PM

7-Eleven Parent Confirms Receiving Sweetened $47 Billion Bid from Alimentation Couche-Tard

October 10, 2024, 12:40:00 PM

Costco Goes Platinum: The Shiny New Addition to the Wholesaler’s Precious Metal Lineup

October 3, 2024, 10:19:00 AM

Tupperware’s Lid Is Closing, Shares Plummet Over 50% As Firm Heads For Bankruptcy

September 17, 2024, 10:16:34 AM

Dollarama Sees Surge in Sales as Canadians Seek Value Amid Economic Pressures

September 11, 2024, 12:02:00 PM

Home Depot Ends Marijuana Testing for Most Employees

August 28, 2024, 02:10:00 PM

Albertsons CEO Accused of Destroying Key Evidence Ahead of $24.6-Billion Kroger Merger Trial

August 22, 2024, 12:35:56 PM

Kroger Sues FTC on Accusation of Unconstitutional Power Grab Over Albertsons Merger

August 20, 2024, 12:49:00 PM

Metro Q3 2024 Financials: 14.6% Earnings Decline Amid Revenue Growth

August 15, 2024, 12:52:00 PM

Patagonia Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Email Tracking Practices

August 13, 2024, 01:06:00 PM

Prime Time Drama: Inside the $67M Lawsuit Against Logan Paul’s Drink Brand

August 10, 2024, 10:57:00 AM
Video Articles

Bell Q3 Earnings: Massive Impairments. Guidance Cuts. A Mess.

Alamos Gold Q3: Record Revenue & Production Amid Rising Costs

The Junior Mining Market Is Back

Recommended

Germany Looks To Modernize Military Recruitment But Stops Short of Conscription

First Majestic Silver Posts Topline Revenue Of $146.1 Million In Q3 2024