Safeway has agreed to a $9.87 million settlement that resolves charges that more than 500 Safeway stores and distribution centers – including its other brands Vons, Pavilions, and Pak ‘n Save – violated California laws for the safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous and pharmaceutical waste.
The waste was generated from spills and customer returns of hazardous products.
The action was brought by 42 California district attorneys and two city attorneys.
The investigation into Safeway’s practices began after discovery of improper shipments of hazardous and pharmaceutical waste to Safeway’s distribution centers, said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis. The investigation revealed that Safeway was also routinely and systematically sending hazardous and pharmaceutical wastes to local area landfills not equipped to receive these wastes.
After being notified by prosecutors of the widespread problem, Safeway worked cooperatively to remedy the issue, enhance its environmental compliance program and train its employees to properly handle the wastes, Dumanis said.
Under the terms of the settlement and injunction, California Safeway stores have adopted new policies and procedures to eliminate the improper disposal of hazardous and pharmaceutical waste into store trash bins for disposal into local landfills.
In addition, the corporation is required to pay $9.87 million in civil penalties and costs and for environmental projects.
