Costco pays $3.6 million for unsafe handling of drugs

Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully announced Monday that Costco Wholesale Corp. will pay $3.6 million in civil penalties and costs to settle a civil law enforcement action brought against the company by 30 California counties.

The civil action was filed in Alameda Superior Court.

The settlement resolves allegations that Costco violated California laws for the safe storage, handling and disposal of pharmaceutical and pharmacy waste, as well as other hazardous waste, according to a news release from Scully's office.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office and its counterparts in other counties conducted a joint investigation and prosecution to address statewide violations of law after San Joaquin County inspectors found evidence of improper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste and pharmaceutical waste products at Costco stores.

Upon notification of the investigation, Costco officials cooperated with prosecutors and quickly brought their operations into compliance with hazardous waste management regulations, according to the news release.

The violations occurred over a five-year period at numerous Costco stores and distribution centers statewide, including five stores in Sacramento County, Scully's office reported.

"Improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste creates a health and safety risk to the citizens of Sacramento County and our environment," Scully said in a written statement.

Of the $3.6 million that Costco must pay under the final judgment, Sacramento County will receive $23,250.

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Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.

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Costco pays $3.6 million for unsafe handling of drugs