Costco to pay $3.6 million in hazardous waste settlement

Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully joins Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O'Malley, and 28 other California district attorneys in announcing the settlement of a civil law enforcement action against Costco Wholesale Corporation.

The civil action was filed in Alameda County Superior Court, and 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.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office teamed up with the other DA offices as part of 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 came into compliance with hazardous waste management regulations.

The violations occurred over a five-year period at numerous Costco stores and distribution stores statewide, including 5 stores in Sacramento County.

District Attorney Jan Scully states, "Improper handling and disposal of hazardous waste creates a health and safety risk to the citizens of Sacramento County and our environment. The District Attorney's Consumer Environment Protection Unit remains aggressive in pursuing businesses that violate the state's environmental laws."

Under the final judgment, Costco must pay $3.6 million in civil penalties and costs. It also funds supplemental environmental projects furthering consumer protection and environmental enforcement in California. The retailer will be bound under the terms of a permanent injunction prohibiting similar future alleged violations of law. Sacramento County will receive $23,250 in costs and penalties.

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Costco to pay $3.6 million in hazardous waste settlement