Dollar Tree Stores must pay $2.7 million in judgement

Dollar Tree Stores will now have to pay $2,72 million in civil penalties for unlawful disposal of hazardous materials at the 480 California locations.

There are 7 Dollar Tree Store in Monterey County.

The Virginia based chain has also been ordered to implement an improved hazardous waste compliance program at its retail stores and distribution centers in California.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Morris Jacobson made the ruling Friday. Monterey County along with 45 other DA’s in the state and two City Attorneys announce the ruling in their counties Friday.

The judgment is the result of an investigation into Dollar Tree Stores’ unlawful disposal into store trash bins of hazardous waste products. Ignitable and corrosive liquids, toxic materials, batteries, electronic devices and other e-waste, and other hazardous waste generated by circumstances including spills and damage, were unlawfully handled and disposed of at its stores and distribution centers in over 480 facilities in California.

These materials were supposed to be transported to authorized hazardous waste facilities, the waste was illegally transported to local landfills not permitted to accept the waste.

“Illegal disposal of hazardous waste in local landfills threatens to contaminate our groundwater and other waterways, posing serious health risks to our communities and future generations,” says Monterey County District Attorney Dean Flippo.

“Today’s settlement is a significant step toward protection of our environment and statewide public health.”

Dollar Tree Stores was cooperative throughout the investigation and new policies and procedures and training programs designed to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste have been implemented.

The hazardous waste is now being collected by state-registered haulers who transport the waste to authorized disposal facilities, and disposal is properly documented.