APRIL 25, 2015
The Dollar Tree discount chain, which operates more than 30
stores in San Diego County, will pay nearly $3 million to settle an
environmental protection lawsuit filed by 45 California district attorneys and
two city attorneys, including San Diego’s, it was announced today.
The settlement was the result of an investigation into
Dollar Tree Stores’ unlawful disposal of hazardous waste products into trash
bins at each of its stores and distribution centers, more than 480 facilities
in California.
The waste included ignitable and corrosive liquids, toxic
materials, batteries, electronic devices and other e-waste, as well as other
hazardous waste generated by circumstances including spills and damage.
Hazardous materials were being illegally handled and, rather
than being transported to authorized hazardous waste facilities, hazardous
wastes were illegally transported to local landfills that are not permitted to
accept such waste.
Dollar Tree Stores, which cooperated throughout the
investigation, admitted no guilt in settling the complaint and agreeing to pay
$2.72 million in civil penalties and costs. As part of the settlement,
Virginia-based Dollar Tree was ordered to continue implementing a company-wide
hazardous waste compliance program.
“This is yet another victory for San Diego’s landfills,
which were never meant to handle toxic and hazardous wastes,” said San Diego
City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. “The systematic illegal disposal of hazardous
waste is a real threat to our water supply, our health, and the health of
future generations.”