99 Cents Only Stores settlement approved

A settlement with the Los Angeles based 99 Cents Only Stores, and the LLC, Monterey County 99 Cents only store, located in Salinas has been approved, according to Monterey County District Attorney Dean D. Flippo.

The settlement is the result of a civil enforcement investigation into 99 Cents Only Stores’ improper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous waste at each of the 251 stores and distribution centers in California.

Flippo said instead of being sent to authorized disposal sites, hazardous wastes were unlawfully transported to and disposed of in local landfills not equipped or authorized to handle such wastes.

99 Cents Only Stores cooperated to remedy the problems and train its employees to properly handle hazardous wastes generated through damage, spills and customer returns, said Flippo. He said the hazardous wastes are now being collected by state-registered haulers, are taken to proper disposal facilities, and are properly documented and accounted for.

Under the terms of the settlement, which includes a permanent injunction against 99 Cents Only Stores, LLC, the company must pay $1.8 million in civil penalties, $312,500 in costs and $250,000 in supplemental environmental projects.