Walgreen Co. Agreed to Pay $3.5M In Settlement of Unlawful Hazardous Waste Disposal

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  Walgreen Co. has agreed to pay $3.5 million in settlement of lawsuit alleging the company of unlawful disposal of hazardous waste in California, in violation of the state laws.

According to prosecutors, Walgreen allegedly disposed of hazardous waste into company trash bins destined for municipal landfills that are not authorized to accept hazardous waste. The disposed waste included items such as over-the-counter and prescription medication, electronic devices, batteries, aerosol products and cleaning agents. Also, the company was accused of failing to destroy confidential customer information.

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Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley noted that the settlement sends out a clear message that companies will be held responsible for causing damage to the environment through improper disposal of hazardous waste. The hard work of prosecutors will create new practices, in addition to contributing millions of dollars for environmental projects.

The total judgement amount of $3.5 million comprises of $2.8 million in civil penalties, $300,000 in supplemental environmental projects, and $400,000 in reimbursement of investigative and enforcement costs. Then company must employ four California-based compliance employees to oversee its hazardous waste compliance program. Also, Walgreen Co. has been ordered to conduct waste audits in at least 5% of their California facilities.